17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.19 percent of the residents in 17866 has some form of health insurance. 33.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.12 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 17866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,186 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17866. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,660 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors and Primary Care in Coal Township (ZIP Code 17866)**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of prostate cancer-related care within the Coal Township (ZIP Code 17866) area, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview for residents seeking prostate health services, considering the unique challenges of a rural Pennsylvania community.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Coal Township, like many rural areas, may face challenges in this regard. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita. This ratio is a crucial indicator of access; a lower ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and ongoing care. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau are essential to determine this ratio accurately. The analysis will consider the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and surrounding areas to determine how easily residents can reach them.

Furthermore, the analysis must evaluate the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices with multiple providers? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and potentially more consistent coverage. The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is also a key consideration, as these facilities often serve a larger proportion of the population, especially those with limited resources.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This assessment considers the practices’ adherence to evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening and early detection. This includes the frequency with which PCPs recommend prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DREs) for appropriate patient populations. The analysis will explore whether practices offer patient education materials and resources about prostate health, including information about risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. The analysis will calculate the PCP-to-population ratio for ZIP Code 17866 and compare it to state and national averages. This comparison will provide context for understanding the local healthcare landscape. The availability of specialists, such as urologists, is also vital. The analysis will assess the proximity of urologists to Coal Township and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals and appointments.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This requires evaluating the practices' reputations, patient reviews, and their commitment to providing high-quality care. The analysis will consider factors such as the practice’s accreditation status, its use of electronic health records (EHRs), and its integration of patient portals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, shared decision-making, and readily available information, will be highlighted.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and urologists in the area. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and providing convenient consultations. The analysis will examine the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow will be recognized for their innovation.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The emotional impact of a diagnosis, treatment, and the potential side effects can be significant. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in the area, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. The analysis will examine whether primary care practices and urologists offer mental health screenings or referrals to mental health professionals. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, will also be assessed.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community resources that support prostate cancer patients. This includes organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and local support groups. The analysis will identify the resources available to patients in Coal Township, such as educational materials, financial assistance programs, and support services.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the key findings and recommendations. This will include an assessment of the overall quality of prostate cancer care in Coal Township, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The analysis will also provide recommendations for improving access to care, enhancing the quality of services, and supporting the needs of prostate cancer patients.

The analysis will be based on publicly available data, including information from healthcare providers, government agencies, and professional organizations. The analysis will also consider patient reviews and feedback to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient experience.

Finally, the analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data and the challenges of conducting a comprehensive assessment of healthcare services in a rural area. However, the goal is to provide valuable information to residents of Coal Township, empowering them to make informed decisions about their prostate health.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Coal Township, including the location of primary care practices, urologists, and other healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome.