17934, Gilberton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17934, Gilberton, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.71 percent of the residents in 17934 has some form of health insurance. 63.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.52 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 17934 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17934. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,909 health care providers accessible to residents in 17934, Gilberton, Pennsylvania.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Gilberton, PA (ZIP Code 17934)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Gilberton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17934) for prostate cancer care requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers factors impacting access to care, including the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for men seeking prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The foundation of any good prostate cancer care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians. These doctors are often the first point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings. In Gilberton, assessing the primary care landscape involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. The specific ratio for Gilberton requires investigation; however, the broader Schuylkill County area may provide some insights.

The presence of specialists, particularly urologists, is crucial for prostate cancer care. Urologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including prostate cancer. Evaluating the number of urologists practicing within a reasonable radius of Gilberton, and their respective practices' reputations, is critical. Factors such as board certifications, years of experience, and patient reviews contribute to a comprehensive assessment. The availability of specialized diagnostic equipment, like advanced imaging technologies, further enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices and urology clinics in the Gilberton area is essential. This includes evaluating the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., initial consultations, follow-up appointments), the technology used, and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health considerations are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are vitally important. 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, is therefore a critical component of a comprehensive prostate cancer care system. Assessing the integration of these resources into local healthcare practices, or the proximity of mental health providers, is an important part of this analysis.

Standout practices within the Gilberton area, or those serving the community, should be identified. These practices are those that demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches to treatment, or a commitment to community outreach. Identifying these practices involves examining their patient outcomes, the range of services they offer, and their adoption of best practices in prostate cancer care. Patient testimonials and professional accolades can also be helpful indicators.

The assessment of primary care availability in Gilberton requires a deeper dive into specific practices. This includes analyzing the number of primary care physicians, their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine), and their patient load. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments is a significant indicator of access. Additionally, the practice's acceptance of various insurance plans is critical to ensure that patients can afford the care they need.

The impact of the healthcare system on the overall health of the community should be evaluated. This includes assessing the rates of prostate cancer screening, the stage at which cancer is typically diagnosed, and the survival rates of patients. These metrics provide insights into the effectiveness of the local healthcare system in detecting and treating prostate cancer.

The geographical isolation of Gilberton, and the limited access to specialized care, may pose challenges. Analyzing the travel times to nearby hospitals and cancer centers is essential. The availability of transportation services for patients who cannot drive themselves is another important consideration. Partnerships between local practices and larger healthcare systems can help bridge these gaps and provide patients with access to a wider range of services.

The integration of technology plays a key role in modern healthcare. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) facilitates the sharing of patient information between different providers, improving care coordination. The use of patient portals allows patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their doctors. Assessing the level of technological integration within local practices is an important part of the analysis.

The economic factors impacting healthcare access must also be considered. The cost of healthcare, including the cost of insurance, co-pays, and medications, can be a barrier to care for many patients. Analyzing the affordability of healthcare in Gilberton, and the availability of financial assistance programs, is essential.

The assessment process requires gathering data from multiple sources. This includes reviewing publicly available information, such as physician directories and hospital websites. It may also involve contacting local practices and healthcare providers directly to gather information about their services and capabilities. Patient surveys and focus groups can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The analysis should conclude with a summary of the findings. This should include an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system for prostate cancer care. The summary should identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, improving access to specialists, or expanding the availability of mental health resources.

The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Gilberton for men seeking prostate cancer care. This information can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities in this area.

To further visualize and understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and patient demographics, explore the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and informative view of the healthcare landscape in Gilberton and the surrounding areas. Visit CartoChrome to discover the power of data visualization and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare access in your community.