17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.89 percent of the residents in 17249 has some form of health insurance. 48.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.87 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 17249 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 70 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17249. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 69 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 40 health care providers accessible to residents in 17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17249 & Primary Care in Rockhill Furnace

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning prostate cancer screening and primary care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 17249 (which we will assume encompasses Rockhill Furnace) and surrounding areas, evaluating the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to address prostate health, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. A "Prostate Cancer Score" isn't a single, definitive number, but rather a composite understanding derived from several key indicators.

The foundation of any prostate cancer assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). These doctors are the first point of contact for men seeking screening and guidance. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed screenings, and potentially, late-stage diagnoses. In Rockhill Furnace and the surrounding areas within ZIP code 17249, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. We need to ascertain the number of PCPs actively practicing within the area and the estimated patient population they serve. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards, along with local hospital and clinic websites, can provide this information. The lower the ratio, the better the initial score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This includes the PCPs' awareness of prostate cancer screening guidelines. The American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) provide recommendations on when and how to screen. PCPs should be well-versed in these guidelines and proactively discuss screening options with their male patients, especially those over 50 or with a family history of prostate cancer. We need to assess the practices' adherence to these guidelines. This can be gauged through patient reviews (though subjective), the presence of dedicated men's health programs, and the availability of educational materials on prostate cancer within the practices.

Standout practices can significantly elevate the overall score. These are clinics or individual physicians that demonstrate a commitment to proactive prostate health. This might involve offering in-house prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, providing comprehensive patient education materials, or having established relationships with urologists for prompt referrals. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs related to men's health also deserve recognition. Identifying these standout practices requires a deep dive into local resources, patient testimonials, and practice websites.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important consideration. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare can be challenging. Virtual consultations can facilitate initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and the discussion of test results. The availability of telemedicine options for primary care within ZIP code 17249 can positively influence the Prostate Cancer Score. We need to determine which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access to these services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are crucial. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health support, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to local mental health professionals, is a vital component of comprehensive care. We need to assess the availability of mental health services in the area, the PCPs' awareness of these resources, and their willingness to refer patients who may need them. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals in the area, the availability of support groups for men with prostate cancer, and the PCPs' ability to recognize and address the emotional needs of their patients.

The physical infrastructure of the healthcare system also plays a role. The presence of well-equipped diagnostic facilities, such as those offering MRI and ultrasound, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. The proximity of these facilities to primary care practices is also important. We need to assess the availability of these facilities within the area and the ease with which patients can access them. This includes evaluating the availability of advanced imaging techniques, the turnaround time for test results, and the overall efficiency of the diagnostic process.

Finally, we must consider the accessibility of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, patients often need to be referred to urologists for further evaluation and treatment. The availability of urologists within a reasonable distance is therefore a critical factor. We need to determine the number of urologists serving the area, their proximity to primary care practices, and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals. This includes evaluating the waiting times for appointments with urologists, the range of treatment options available, and the overall quality of urological care in the region.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP code 17249, therefore, is not a simple calculation. It's a complex assessment based on physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the proximity of specialized care. A low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing timely screening and treatment, while a high score would reflect a robust healthcare system that prioritizes prostate health. The data would need to be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolution of best practices in prostate cancer care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17249 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, facility proximity, and demographic data, consider exploring interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data discussed above, providing a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying areas that may need improvement.