17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.64 percent of the residents in 17063 has some form of health insurance. 29.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.62 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 17063 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17063. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17063 & Primary Care in Milroy

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP code 17063, focusing on prostate cancer care, and extends its scope to assess primary care availability in the nearby community of Milroy. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients, particularly those concerned about prostate health, while considering broader factors impacting overall well-being.

The assessment begins with the physicians practicing within ZIP code 17063. Evaluating a "Prostate Cancer Score" requires considering several crucial factors. First, the presence of urologists is paramount. The density of these specialists directly impacts access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of prostate cancer. A low concentration of urologists necessitates travel, potentially delaying care and increasing patient burden. Second, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is vital. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, facilitating early detection through PSA testing and referrals to specialists. Third, access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and PET scans, is critical for accurate staging and treatment planning. Finally, the availability of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, within a reasonable distance significantly impacts the patient experience.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical step. The ideal ratio varies, but a higher ratio of specialists per capita generally indicates better access to care. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards are essential to determine the population size within 17063 and the number of practicing physicians. This data, combined with information from insurance providers and physician directories, allows for a preliminary assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio for both primary care and urology. A low ratio for urologists raises concerns about potential wait times and limited access.

Identifying standout practices within 17063 requires examining several aspects. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapists, offer a significant advantage. Such practices often provide comprehensive care, streamlining the patient journey and improving outcomes. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials demonstrate a commitment to advancing prostate cancer treatment. These trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to the development of new treatments. The presence of patient navigators, who assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, is another positive indicator.

The adoption of telemedicine within 17063 is a crucial consideration. Telemedicine offers several benefits, particularly for patients in rural areas. It can reduce travel time, improve access to specialists, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. Practices that offer telehealth consultations and remote monitoring capabilities are likely to provide a more patient-centered and accessible approach to care. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services requires examining practice websites, contacting practices directly, and reviewing insurance coverage for telehealth visits.

Addressing mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive prostate cancer score. A cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Assessing mental health resources involves examining practice websites, contacting practices directly, and reviewing information from local mental health organizations.

Shifting the focus to primary care availability in Milroy, a nearby community, is essential. The availability of PCPs directly impacts access to early detection and preventative care for prostate cancer. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially affecting patient outcomes. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in Milroy, similar to the approach used for 17063, is crucial. The presence of urgent care clinics or walk-in clinics can also improve access to care, particularly for patients who may not have a regular PCP.

The assessment should also consider the proximity of hospitals and cancer centers to both 17063 and Milroy. The distance to these facilities directly impacts access to advanced diagnostic tools, treatment options, and specialized care. A shorter distance to these facilities generally indicates better access to care. This involves mapping the locations of hospitals and cancer centers and calculating the travel time from both ZIP codes.

To synthesize the findings, a "Prostate Cancer Score" can be developed, incorporating the various factors discussed. This score could use a weighted scoring system, assigning different weights to each factor based on its importance. For example, the presence of urologists and access to advanced diagnostic tools might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within 17063 and Milroy, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The data gathered and analyzed for this assessment can be visualized using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can integrate the physician data, location of facilities, and other relevant information to create interactive visualizations. This allows for a clear and concise representation of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas with high and low access to care. These maps can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve healthcare access.

For a detailed, interactive visualization of the healthcare landscape in 17063 and Milroy, including physician locations, facility proximity, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.