17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 68.38 percent of the residents in 17246 has some form of health insurance. 43.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.86 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 17246 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 148 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17246. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 57 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,974 health care providers accessible to residents in 17246, Pleasant Hall, Pennsylvania.

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men, and access to quality healthcare is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. This analysis provides a 'Prostate Cancer Score' assessment for physicians within ZIP code 17246, encompassing the Pleasant Hall area, focusing on key factors influencing patient outcomes. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a call to action.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Pleasant Hall (ZIP code 17246), the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the ability of men to receive routine screenings and referrals to urologists, the specialists who diagnose and treat prostate cancer. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the detection of prostate cancer. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and local healthcare networks would be essential to determine the precise ratio within this specific ZIP code. This data will inform the score.

Standout practices are identified by their commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. These practices often distinguish themselves through several key factors. First, they have a strong emphasis on preventative care, including promoting regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DREs) for men over a certain age, or earlier for those with a family history. Second, they utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound-guided biopsies, to accurately diagnose the disease. Third, they provide a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, collaborating with urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans. Fourth, they offer patient education and support services, including access to support groups and educational materials. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' will consider these factors.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Pleasant Hall. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The extent to which practices in ZIP code 17246 have adopted telemedicine for prostate cancer-related care is an important consideration. This includes offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, discussing test results, and providing patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience and potentially improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or who live far from the practice.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they are a crucial component of comprehensive cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is critical for patients. Practices that partner with mental health professionals or have in-house mental health services demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' will give a higher rating to those practices that offer mental health services.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for physicians in ZIP code 17246 will be calculated based on a weighted system, considering the factors discussed above. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in influencing patient outcomes. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. Standout practices that offer comprehensive services and utilize advanced diagnostic tools will receive higher scores. Practices that embrace telemedicine and provide mental health resources will also be favorably evaluated. The final score will be a composite measure, providing a comprehensive assessment of the quality of prostate cancer care available in the area.

Specifically, the score will be derived from the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio (30%):** This will be based on the number of PCPs and urologists per 1,000 residents in ZIP code 17246, compared to national and state averages.
* **Standout Practice Characteristics (40%):** This will be based on the availability of preventative care services, advanced diagnostic tools, multidisciplinary treatment approaches, and patient education and support services.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (15%):** This will be based on the extent to which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources (15%):** This will be based on the availability of counseling services, support groups, and other mental health resources for patients.

The resulting 'Prostate Cancer Score' will provide a valuable tool for men in Pleasant Hall (ZIP code 17246) seeking information about healthcare options. It will also be useful for healthcare providers looking to improve their services and patient outcomes. The score will be dynamic and updated regularly, reflecting changes in healthcare delivery and advancements in prostate cancer care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pleasant Hall (ZIP code 17246), including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and interactive view of the area, helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.