17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.50 percent of the residents in 17853 has some form of health insurance. 22.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.83 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 17853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 861 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,168 health care providers accessible to residents in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania.

Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17853 & Mount Pleasant Mills Primary Care

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care and primary care access in Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17853) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including physician availability, the quality of care, and the integration of supportive services. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, to empower residents with the knowledge needed to navigate their healthcare options.

The foundation of any robust healthcare system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Mount Pleasant Mills, assessing PCP availability involves understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and a general feeling of being underserved. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more readily accessible healthcare system. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with local hospital reports, are essential to calculate this ratio accurately. This data would be used to determine the availability of PCPs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the adoption of evidence-based practices in prostate cancer screening and management. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides guidelines for prostate cancer screening, and adherence to these recommendations is a crucial indicator of quality. Practices that actively engage in patient education, offer shared decision-making regarding screening and treatment options, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient outcomes are generally considered to be providing higher-quality care.

The presence of specialists, particularly urologists, is critical for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of urology practices to Mount Pleasant Mills, and their acceptance of patients from this ZIP code, significantly impacts access to specialized care. Travel time, insurance coverage, and the availability of appointments all contribute to the ease with which patients can see a urologist. The presence of oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons within a reasonable distance is also a key factor in the overall prostate cancer care score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Mount Pleasant Mills. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and urology specialists can improve access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, making healthcare more convenient and accessible, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer telemedicine options, including video consultations and remote patient monitoring, receive a higher score in this analysis.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the community is essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their care models, or that partner with local mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, is another positive indicator.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual provider profiles. This includes researching their educational backgrounds, board certifications, years of experience, and patient reviews. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Pennsylvania Medical Society and online review platforms, can provide valuable insights into the reputation and performance of individual physicians. Practices that consistently receive positive patient feedback, demonstrate a commitment to continuing medical education, and actively participate in community outreach initiatives are considered to be exemplary.

The integration of technology plays a significant role in the quality of care. Practices that utilize EHRs to manage patient records, offer online patient portals for communication and appointment scheduling, and utilize advanced imaging technologies for diagnosis and treatment are generally considered to be more efficient and patient-centered. The adoption of these technologies can improve communication between patients and providers, enhance the accuracy of diagnoses, and streamline the overall healthcare experience.

Prostate cancer care is not solely about medical treatment; it also encompasses access to resources and support services. The availability of patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the healthcare system, understand their treatment options, and connect them with support services, is a significant advantage. The presence of cancer support organizations, such as the American Cancer Society or local cancer support groups, provides patients with valuable resources and emotional support.

In conclusion, assessing the prostate cancer care score in ZIP code 17853 requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the integration of technology. While a precise numerical score is beyond the scope of this analysis, the factors discussed provide a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The goal is to empower residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas of need.