17778, Westport, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17778, Westport, Pennsylvania is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.60 percent of the residents in 17778 has some form of health insurance. 25.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.62 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 17778 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17778. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1 health care providers accessible to residents in 17778, Westport, Pennsylvania.

The analysis presented herein focuses on prostate cancer care within ZIP Code 17778 and primary care accessibility in Westport, aiming to provide a nuanced perspective on physician availability, practice characteristics, and supportive resources. This evaluation is not a definitive ranking but rather an assessment of the landscape, acknowledging the limitations of publicly available data and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery.

**Prostate Cancer Score: ZIP Code 17778**

Evaluating prostate cancer care in a specific ZIP Code requires understanding the broader healthcare ecosystem. ZIP Code 17778, which represents the town of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is a community that is served by UPMC Susquehanna, a regional health system. The presence of a major health system is a positive indicator, as it typically provides access to specialized services, including urology and oncology, crucial for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Assessing the availability of urologists is paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise figures are not readily available at the ZIP Code level, analyzing the broader county (Lycoming County) and regional data provides context. A lower physician-to-patient ratio (more physicians per capita) generally suggests better access to care. Researching the number of practicing urologists within the UPMC Susquehanna network, and their geographic distribution within the region, is essential. This information can be found on the UPMC Susquehanna website or through a search of medical directories.

The presence of radiation oncology services is another key factor. Prostate cancer treatment often involves radiation therapy, and the availability of these services locally minimizes travel burden for patients. Investigating the presence of linear accelerators and other advanced radiation therapy technologies within the UPMC Susquehanna system is essential.

The adoption of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET scans, is another consideration. These imaging techniques are increasingly used for accurate staging and treatment planning. The availability of these technologies in the local healthcare facilities is an indicator of the quality of care.

The integration of multidisciplinary care is also important. Prostate cancer treatment often involves a team of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and nurses. The degree to which these specialists collaborate and coordinate care influences patient outcomes. Investigating the existence of tumor boards or multidisciplinary clinics within the UPMC Susquehanna system is a positive sign.

Finally, access to clinical trials is a key indicator of cutting-edge care. Researching the availability of prostate cancer clinical trials at UPMC Susquehanna or its affiliates provides insight into the level of innovation and access to novel therapies.

**Primary Care Availability in Westport**

Evaluating primary care availability in Westport requires a different approach. Westport, Connecticut, is a more affluent community, and access to healthcare may be different than in Williamsport. The physician-to-patient ratio is an important starting point. Publicly available data from the state of Connecticut, or through surveys by organizations like the American Medical Association, provides insights into the physician-to-population ratio in Fairfield County, where Westport is located. This data can then be compared to national averages to gauge relative access.

The presence of a diverse range of primary care providers, including family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners, is a positive indicator. The availability of providers accepting new patients is also crucial. Investigating the websites of local practices and health systems, and contacting them directly, is necessary to determine the availability of appointments.

The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices is another key factor. Telemedicine offers patients convenient access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and routine consultations. Researching the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in Westport is important. This includes whether they offer virtual visits, online patient portals, and remote monitoring capabilities.

The availability of after-hours and weekend care is also essential. Patients need access to care when they need it, not just during standard business hours. Investigating the availability of urgent care clinics or extended hours offered by primary care practices is important.

The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a growing trend. The co-occurrence of physical and mental health conditions is common, and integrated care improves patient outcomes. Researching the availability of mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric care, within primary care practices in Westport is important.

The presence of patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) is another positive indicator. PCMHs emphasize coordinated, comprehensive care and patient involvement. Investigating whether primary care practices in Westport are designated as PCMHs is useful.

**Standout Practices and Resources**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. Reviewing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can provide insights into patient satisfaction. However, it is important to consider the limitations of these reviews and to assess them critically.

Investigating the practices' accreditations and certifications can also be helpful. For example, accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) indicates a commitment to quality and patient safety.

**Conclusion**

The assessment of prostate cancer care in ZIP Code 17778 and primary care availability in Westport reveals a complex landscape. While publicly available data provides a starting point, a more thorough investigation is needed to fully understand the specific characteristics of the local healthcare systems. The availability of specialists, the adoption of advanced technologies, the integration of multidisciplinary care, and the availability of mental health resources are all important factors to consider.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including the geographic distribution of providers, access to specialized services, and other relevant data, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualization tools offered by CartoChrome. These tools can provide a valuable perspective on healthcare access and resource allocation.