17235, Marion, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 62.47 percent of the residents in 17235 has some form of health insurance. 44.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.25 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 17235 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 275 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17235. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 157 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,531 health care providers accessible to residents in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17235 & Primary Care in Marion, PA**

This analysis delves into the landscape of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 17235 (likely encompassing a portion of Marion, Pennsylvania) and examines the broader context of primary care availability in Marion. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, considering factors crucial for prostate cancer patients, including physician accessibility, quality of care, and supportive services. This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking but rather a comprehensive overview, acknowledging that individual experiences can vary.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in the availability of skilled physicians. Within ZIP code 17235, the concentration of urologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts patient access. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is critical. A higher ratio of patients per physician can indicate potential challenges in scheduling appointments, receiving timely diagnoses, and accessing ongoing care. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with physician directories, can help estimate these ratios. The analysis must account for the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, considering whether practices are clustered in specific areas or dispersed, impacting patient travel times.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational practices. This includes evaluating the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and PET scans, essential for accurate staging and treatment planning. Practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together urologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, often provide more comprehensive care. Furthermore, assessing the availability of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted prostatectomy, is crucial, as these procedures can lead to faster recovery times and reduced side effects. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and the overall patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare delivery, especially for patients managing chronic conditions like prostate cancer. The analysis should assess the extent to which practices in ZIP code 17235 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically remote areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. Evaluating the availability of virtual support groups and educational resources offered by these practices further enhances their score.

The emotional and psychological toll of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. The analysis should examine whether practices offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals specializing in oncology. Collaboration between urologists, oncologists, and mental health providers ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both their physical and emotional needs. The presence of support groups, either in-person or virtual, can provide patients with a sense of community and shared experience, fostering emotional well-being.

Primary care availability in Marion, PA, is an essential element of the overall healthcare landscape. PCPs play a vital role in early detection of prostate cancer through routine screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The analysis must assess the density of PCPs in Marion, considering the population size and geographic distribution. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and limited access to preventative care. Examining the wait times for appointments with PCPs is also important, as longer wait times can deter patients from seeking timely medical attention.

The analysis must also consider the quality of primary care. This involves evaluating the PCP's experience with prostate cancer screening and their ability to educate patients about the risks and benefits of early detection. The presence of patient education materials and resources within the primary care setting is also a positive indicator. Furthermore, the analysis should assess the PCP's referral patterns, evaluating whether they consistently refer patients with concerning PSA levels or other symptoms to qualified urologists for further evaluation.

Analyzing the insurance landscape is crucial. The analysis should identify the major insurance providers accepted by physicians in ZIP code 17235 and Marion. This information is essential for patients to understand their out-of-pocket costs and ensure they have access to the care they need. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans often provide greater accessibility for patients. The analysis should also consider the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford healthcare.

The overall score for prostate cancer care in ZIP code 17235 and Marion will be a composite of these factors. The score will reflect the availability of physicians, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of primary care. The score will not be a single numerical value but rather a nuanced assessment of the healthcare environment.

This analysis is a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17235 and Marion. It provides valuable insights into the factors that influence prostate cancer care. However, it is important to remember that healthcare is constantly evolving. Patients should always consult with their physicians to make informed decisions about their health.

To visualize the geographic distribution of physicians, primary care availability, and other relevant healthcare data in ZIP code 17235 and Marion, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the healthcare landscape, helping patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions.