17960, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17960, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.55 percent of the residents in 17960 has some form of health insurance. 43.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.10 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 17960 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 945 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17960. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,254 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 876 health care providers accessible to residents in 17960, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: New Ringgold, PA (ZIP Code 17960)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in New Ringgold, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17960), focusing on factors relevant to prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and care. It considers physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), as they often serve as the initial point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative care. The analysis also examines the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure in the area. This information, presented as a 'Prostate Cancer Score' analysis, aims to inform residents about the accessibility and quality of healthcare services related to this critical health concern.

The cornerstone of effective prostate cancer management is early detection. This necessitates regular checkups and open communication with a healthcare provider. In New Ringgold, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts this process. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While precise physician-to-patient ratios for ZIP Code 17960 are not readily available, analyzing data from the surrounding Schuylkill County and Pennsylvania Department of Health can offer insights. This data, combined with information on the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, provides a preliminary assessment of access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including prostate cancer screening. They may actively encourage men over 50, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, to undergo regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DREs). These practices may also have established referral pathways to urologists for further evaluation if necessary. Investigating the practices’ use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs facilitate efficient information sharing between providers, ensuring continuity of care and allowing for better tracking of patient health histories and screening results.

Telemedicine is increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas like New Ringgold. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. This is especially valuable for accessing urologists, who may not be readily available within the ZIP code. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices and hospitals can significantly improve access to specialized care, reducing the need for long-distance travel. Investigating which practices offer telehealth options, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, follow-up appointments), and the insurance coverage for these services, is a critical component of this analysis.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis, or even the fear of a diagnosis, should not be overlooked. Mental health resources are an essential part of comprehensive healthcare. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the community is crucial. These professionals can provide support to patients and their families dealing with the stress, anxiety, and depression that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. Assessing the availability of these resources, including the types of services offered, the insurance coverage, and the accessibility of mental health professionals, is an important element of this analysis.

Furthermore, the overall healthcare infrastructure in New Ringgold needs to be assessed. This includes the presence of local hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers (for MRI and other imaging modalities), and laboratories for blood tests. Proximity to these facilities is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. The availability of support groups and educational resources for prostate cancer patients and their families should also be investigated. These resources provide valuable information, emotional support, and a sense of community. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by prostate cancer.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for New Ringgold, PA (17960) is not a single number but a composite assessment based on these factors. The score would reflect the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a greater emphasis on preventative measures, and a more comprehensive support system for patients. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in New Ringgold, PA, as it relates to prostate cancer. It emphasizes the importance of early detection, access to care, and comprehensive support for patients. It is crucial for residents to be informed about the resources available to them and to actively engage with their healthcare providers.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare resources in New Ringgold, PA, and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant healthcare data.