17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.07 percent of the residents in 17813 has some form of health insurance. 42.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.62 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 17813 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 542 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17813. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 410 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will be structured as follows:

**I. Introduction**
**II. Physician Landscape in ZIP Code 17813**
**III. Primary Care Availability in Beavertown**
**IV. Telemedicine and Mental Health Integration**
**V. Prostate Cancer Score and Ranking**
**VI. Conclusion**

**I. Introduction**

This report provides an analysis of the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17813, focusing on primary care availability in Beavertown, Pennsylvania, and assessing factors relevant to prostate cancer care. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The aim is to generate a "Prostate Cancer Score" ranking for doctors practicing in this area, offering insights for residents seeking quality care. This analysis acknowledges the importance of comprehensive care, especially for a condition like prostate cancer, which requires a multidisciplinary approach.

**II. Physician Landscape in ZIP Code 17813**

ZIP Code 17813, encompassing Beavertown and surrounding areas, presents a unique healthcare environment. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative screenings, including those for prostate cancer. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories are essential to establish an accurate physician-to-patient ratio. This data must be regularly updated, as physician availability can fluctuate.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the availability of board-certified urologists, the presence of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., MRI, PET scans), and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices with a strong emphasis on patient education, support groups, and comprehensive care are also highly valued. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability contribute to efficient care coordination. Analyzing patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provides valuable insights into the quality of care delivered by individual physicians and practices.

**III. Primary Care Availability in Beavertown**

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Beavertown is crucial for early detection and management of prostate cancer. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients, initiating screenings and referring patients to specialists when necessary. The proximity of primary care practices to residential areas is a significant factor. Easy access encourages regular check-ups and promotes preventative care.

Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within Beavertown and the surrounding areas. Analyzing the acceptance of new patients, appointment wait times, and insurance coverage offered by these practices provides a comprehensive picture of accessibility. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can supplement the role of PCPs, improving access to care, especially in rural communities. The integration of PCPs with specialist networks, including urologists, is vital for seamless patient referrals and coordinated care.

**IV. Telemedicine and Mental Health Integration**

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Beavertown. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians and specialists can improve access to care by reducing travel time and increasing appointment flexibility. Telemedicine platforms can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and the delivery of educational materials. This is especially beneficial for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions like prostate cancer.

The integration of mental health resources into prostate cancer care is equally important. A prostate cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as counseling or support groups, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of mental health professionals who specialize in oncology is particularly valuable. The seamless integration of mental health services into the care pathway contributes to a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach.

**V. Prostate Cancer Score and Ranking**

Developing a "Prostate Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 17813 involves a multi-faceted approach. The score should consider the following weighted factors:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio (15%):** Reflecting the availability of physicians in the area.
* **Board Certification and Specialization (20%):** Prioritizing board-certified urologists and specialists.
* **Diagnostic Equipment and Technology (15%):** Evaluating the availability of advanced diagnostic tools.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (10%):** Assessing the use of telemedicine for consultations and follow-ups.
* **Mental Health Integration (15%):** Evaluating the availability of or referral to mental health services.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction (15%):** Incorporating patient feedback on care quality.
* **Practice Accessibility (10%):** Considering factors such as appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and proximity.

Each factor is assigned a numerical value based on available data. The scores are then weighted and aggregated to generate a final Prostate Cancer Score for each physician or practice. The practices are then ranked based on their scores, providing a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape in the area. This ranking should be viewed as a dynamic tool, updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and advancements in healthcare technology.

**VI. Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17813 presents both opportunities and challenges for prostate cancer care. While the specific rankings require detailed data analysis, the framework outlined above provides a foundation for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care. Factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are crucial considerations. The resulting Prostate Cancer Score and ranking will empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a comprehensive visualization of the healthcare resources in Beavertown and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide an invaluable tool for navigating the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about your health.