17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.47 percent of the residents in 17945 has some form of health insurance. 39.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.13 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 17945 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 20 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17945. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,802 health care providers accessible to residents in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Locustdale, PA (ZIP Code 17945)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of prostate cancer care within the Locustdale, PA (ZIP code 17945) area, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access and related resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement. This score will be based on factors including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support.

Locustdale, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas regarding healthcare access. A critical starting point is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric directly impacts the ability of men to receive timely screenings and follow-up care. National averages provide a benchmark, but the specific ratio within 17945 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be essential to determine the exact ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

The availability of primary care is the cornerstone of prostate cancer detection. PCPs are often the first point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking routine screenings. Assessing primary care availability in Locustdale requires examining the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, including nearby towns like Shenandoah and Ashland. This assessment should also consider the types of practices available: solo practices, group practices, and those affiliated with larger healthcare systems. Group practices often offer a broader range of services and potentially better access to specialists.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves researching practices that actively promote prostate cancer screening, offer comprehensive patient education, and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine. This could involve looking at online reviews, patient testimonials (where available), and the practice's commitment to utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as health fairs or educational seminars, would also be considered favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural setting, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists, including urologists. The availability of telehealth consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring can significantly impact the patient experience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would score higher in this assessment. This includes assessing the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the practice's commitment to patient privacy and data security.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for prostate cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of mental health support services within the Locustdale area, either directly within the practices or through referrals, is a significant factor in the overall score. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients.

The Prostate Cancer Score will be constructed on a weighted scale. Physician-to-patient ratio will carry a significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access. Primary care availability will also be heavily weighted, as it forms the foundation of early detection. Standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will be weighted based on their contribution to comprehensive care. Each category will be scored individually, and the overall score will be calculated based on the weighted average. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the prostate cancer care landscape in Locustdale.

The final score will be presented in a clear and concise format, summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the area. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health support. The score will serve as a valuable resource for men in the community, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to inform and empower the community. By understanding the current state of prostate cancer care, residents can advocate for improvements and ensure that they have access to the best possible care. This analysis is not just about numbers; it's about the health and well-being of the men in Locustdale. It underscores the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and comprehensive support throughout the cancer journey.

This analysis, while providing a detailed overview, is limited by the availability of public data. A more comprehensive assessment would require access to private healthcare data, which is often not publicly available. However, the information gathered from public sources can still provide valuable insights into the state of prostate cancer care in Locustdale.

Are you interested in visualizing this data and exploring the healthcare landscape of Locustdale and surrounding areas in a dynamic and interactive way? CartoChrome Maps offers powerful mapping tools that can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access, and track changes over time.