17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.65 percent of the residents in 17920 has some form of health insurance. 50.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.61 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 17920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17920. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 110 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,915 health care providers accessible to residents in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania.

The task requires a comprehensive analysis, focusing on prostate cancer care within the specified geographic parameters. The analysis will incorporate factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice excellence, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all while adhering to the provided constraints.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17920 and Primary Care Availability in Aristes**

Evaluating prostate cancer care necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of specialists but also the overall healthcare infrastructure. This analysis will delve into the specifics of ZIP Code 17920 (likely encompassing the town of Ashland and surrounding areas) and the primary care landscape in Aristes, Pennsylvania, to provide a nuanced understanding of the prostate cancer care environment.

The cornerstone of effective prostate cancer care is access to qualified urologists. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP Code 17920 is crucial. This involves identifying the number of practicing urologists within the area and comparing it to the estimated population. A low ratio could indicate limited access, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio might suggest greater availability, although other factors, such as the quality of care and the efficiency of appointment scheduling, also play significant roles. Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state medical boards would be essential for this initial assessment.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires examining several key indicators. This includes the experience and training of the urologists, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as MRI and PET scans), and the range of treatment options offered (including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy). Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall patient experience. Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) or the American Urological Association (AUA), can also be a strong indicator of quality.

The integration of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to prostate cancer care, especially in rural areas like Aristes. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially expediting the diagnosis and treatment process. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by practices in ZIP Code 17920 is therefore critical. This includes determining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and access to online patient portals for communication and information sharing. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely better positioned to serve patients, particularly those with mobility issues or living in geographically isolated areas.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Aristes is a crucial factor in the overall prostate cancer care landscape. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or concerns. Adequate PCP availability ensures timely referrals to urologists for further evaluation. A shortage of PCPs could lead to delays in diagnosis, potentially impacting treatment outcomes. Examining the PCP-to-patient ratio in Aristes, along with the average wait times for appointments, provides a clearer picture of the accessibility of primary care services.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but essential component of prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources for prostate cancer patients in ZIP Code 17920 is therefore crucial. This includes assessing whether urology practices or associated healthcare systems offer access to psychologists, psychiatrists, or support groups. Integrated mental health services can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the coordination of care between urologists, PCPs, and other specialists is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Examining the communication and referral pathways between these healthcare providers can reveal potential areas for improvement. Practices that have established clear protocols for sharing patient information and coordinating treatment plans are likely to provide more comprehensive and patient-centered care.

The analysis must also consider the affordability of care. Prostate cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial barriers can prevent patients from accessing necessary services. Investigating the insurance coverage accepted by local practices, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the cost of common procedures can provide insights into the financial burden faced by patients. Practices that are transparent about their pricing and offer payment plans are likely to be more accessible to a wider range of patients.

The presence of support groups and patient education resources is another important factor. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn from others who have faced similar challenges. Patient education resources, such as brochures, websites, and educational seminars, can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. Assessing the availability of these resources in ZIP Code 17920 can help determine the level of support available to patients.

Finally, the analysis must consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by the healthcare providers in ZIP Code 17920. Prostate cancer disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic groups, and healthcare providers must be aware of these disparities. Examining the diversity of the patient population and assessing whether healthcare providers are culturally competent can help ensure that all patients receive equitable care.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of prostate cancer care in ZIP Code 17920 and Aristes requires a detailed examination of several interconnected factors. This includes physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, primary care access, mental health resources, care coordination, affordability, support services, and demographic considerations. A thorough analysis of these factors is essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the physician-to-patient ratios, the locations of standout practices, and the accessibility of various healthcare services in the area.