17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.38 percent of the residents in 17760 has some form of health insurance. 40.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.64 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 17760 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17760. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 280 health care providers accessible to residents in 17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: North Bend, PA (ZIP Code 17760)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area, such as North Bend, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17760), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on factors relevant to prostate cancer care, including physician availability, primary care resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, culminating in a Prostate Cancer Score assessment. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals in this community.

The cornerstone of effective prostate cancer management is access to qualified medical professionals. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. In North Bend, a rural area, the density of specialists, specifically urologists and oncologists, is likely lower than in more urban centers. This scarcity necessitates an understanding of the referral pathways and the travel distances patients must endure to access specialized care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is also paramount. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or requiring routine screenings. A robust PCP network can facilitate early detection and timely referrals, significantly improving outcomes.

To determine the physician-to-patient ratio, data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local hospital networks must be analyzed. This involves identifying the number of practicing physicians within a reasonable radius of North Bend, categorized by specialty. Population data from the U.S. Census Bureau is then used to calculate the ratio. The resulting figures provide a baseline understanding of the availability of medical professionals. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists, would negatively impact the Prostate Cancer Score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves assessing factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment, and the availability of advanced diagnostic tools. Local hospitals and clinics should be evaluated based on their accreditation status, the availability of robotic surgery, radiation therapy options, and participation in clinical trials. Patient testimonials, when available, offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, incorporating the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment, would receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in bridging the geographical gaps inherent in rural healthcare. Telemedicine allows patients in North Bend to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for extensive travel and improving access to care. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services involves identifying which practices and hospitals offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly enhance the Prostate Cancer Score by expanding access to specialists and providing convenient follow-up care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial in cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential for providing comprehensive support. Evaluating mental health resources involves identifying local therapists, counseling centers, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, offering referrals to mental health professionals, would receive higher marks.

The primary care landscape in North Bend also requires careful scrutiny. The availability of PCPs, their willingness to perform prostate cancer screenings, and their ability to effectively manage patients with prostate cancer are critical. A strong primary care network can facilitate early detection, provide ongoing support, and coordinate care with specialists. Assessing primary care availability involves identifying the number of PCPs in the area, their acceptance of new patients, and their commitment to preventive care. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, should also be considered.

The Prostate Cancer Score is a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care in North Bend. It is calculated by assigning weighted scores to each of the factors discussed above. The weighting reflects the relative importance of each factor in determining the quality of care. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialists might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The final score is a numerical representation of the healthcare landscape, providing a benchmark for comparison and a tool for identifying areas for improvement.

In the case of North Bend, the Prostate Cancer Score is likely to be impacted by the rural nature of the area. The limited availability of specialists and the need for patients to travel for specialized care could negatively impact the score. However, the score can be improved by focusing on telemedicine adoption, strengthening the primary care network, and ensuring the availability of mental health resources.

To improve the Prostate Cancer Score in North Bend, several recommendations can be made. First, efforts should be made to recruit and retain specialists, particularly urologists and oncologists. Second, telemedicine services should be expanded, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. Third, the primary care network should be strengthened, ensuring that PCPs are well-equipped to provide preventive care and manage patients with prostate cancer. Finally, mental health resources should be readily available, providing emotional support to patients and their families.

The assessment of the healthcare environment in North Bend, PA (ZIP code 17760) provides a valuable snapshot of the resources available for prostate cancer care. The analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing a basis for improvement. By focusing on physician availability, primary care resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, the community can work towards enhancing the Prostate Cancer Score and improving the health outcomes for men in North Bend.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of North Bend, Pennsylvania, and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps and data visualization tools that can help you understand the geographic distribution of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. This can be useful for identifying gaps in care and planning for future improvements.