17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.61 percent of the residents in 17868 has some form of health insurance. 32.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.42 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 17868 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17868. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 297 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,339 health care providers accessible to residents in 17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score: An Analysis for ZIP Code 17868 and Riverside Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning prostate cancer, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the specific needs of residents in ZIP Code 17868 and the broader context of primary care availability in Riverside, Pennsylvania. We will explore factors impacting prostate cancer care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the constraints of available public data and general industry trends.

The initial challenge is the limited availability of granular, publicly accessible data for a specific ZIP code. Comprehensive information on individual physician performance metrics, practice-specific resource allocation, and detailed patient outcomes is often proprietary or aggregated to protect patient privacy. Therefore, this analysis relies on general healthcare trends, publicly available resources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, and broader industry insights to create a comprehensive, albeit somewhat generalized, assessment.

One crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impact access to care, particularly for specialized services like urology, which is central to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. In a rural area like Riverside, Pennsylvania, the physician shortage is a significant concern. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first line of defense. Early detection and referral are critical in managing prostate cancer. A shortage of PCPs can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to poorer outcomes. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be vital for assessing the PCP landscape.

Standout practices are those that excel in patient care and demonstrate a commitment to early detection and advanced treatment options. Identifying these practices requires examining several factors. First, the presence of board-certified urologists within or near the ZIP code is paramount. Second, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, is crucial. Third, the practice's adherence to established clinical guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment, as recommended by organizations like the American Urological Association (AUA), is an essential benchmark. Finally, patient satisfaction scores, when available, provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where specialist availability may be limited. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, increasing patient convenience and reducing the need for travel. The adoption of telemedicine platforms, the availability of virtual consultations with urologists, and the integration of remote patient monitoring technologies all contribute to a higher "Prostate Cancer Score."

Mental health resources are often overlooked in cancer care, yet they are critical to patient well-being. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a vital component of comprehensive cancer care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. Assessing the availability of these resources requires examining local healthcare directories, community health services, and partnerships between medical practices and mental health providers.

Riverside's primary care availability directly impacts prostate cancer care. The ability to establish a strong relationship with a PCP is critical for early detection and regular screening. The PCP can order PSA tests, perform digital rectal exams, and refer patients to urologists when necessary. A robust primary care system ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care. The presence of community health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and other primary care providers within Riverside is crucial.

Evaluating the quality of primary care involves looking at factors such as the number of PCPs per capita, the availability of after-hours care, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination and facilitate communication between PCPs and specialists. The use of EHRs, the availability of after-hours care, and the overall patient experience are essential factors.

In the absence of specific, practice-level data, we can make some general assumptions. The rural nature of the area suggests that access to specialists may be limited, and telemedicine adoption could be critical. The availability of mental health resources may also be limited, requiring a focus on community-based support.

To assess the "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 17868, we must consider the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Assessing the number of PCPs and urologists per 1,000 residents in the area.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Evaluating the availability of PSA testing, MRI, and other advanced diagnostic tools.
* **Treatment Options:** Assessing the availability of various treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Determining the extent to which practices utilize telemedicine for consultations and follow-up care.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Assessing the availability of mental health services for prostate cancer patients.
* **Patient Education:** Evaluating the availability of educational resources and support groups for patients and their families.
* **Community Partnerships:** Assessing the involvement of local practices with community health organizations.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" would be a composite score derived from these factors. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive treatment options, and a greater emphasis on patient well-being.

The final "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 17868 would be a comparative assessment. It would compare the area's healthcare resources to state and national benchmarks. It would also consider the unique challenges of a rural community, such as limited access to specialists and the need for telemedicine.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17868 and Riverside, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to analyze physician density, hospital locations, and other relevant information.