18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.69 percent of the residents in 18244 has some form of health insurance. 48.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.25 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 18244 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 80 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18244. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,216 health care providers accessible to residents in 18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of prostate cancer care within ZIP Code 18244, encompassing the Parryville area, requires a multifaceted approach. It's not simply about identifying doctors; it's about evaluating the entire healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. This includes accessibility, quality of care, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients and to highlight areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Determining the precise number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists actively practicing within the 18244 ZIP Code is paramount. This data, ideally sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or similar state agencies, provides a baseline. This ratio must then be compared to the overall population of Parryville, specifically the male population aged 50 and older, the demographic most at risk for prostate cancer. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for urologists, could indicate potential access challenges. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Evaluating primary care availability in Parryville goes beyond simple physician counts. The analysis must consider factors like insurance acceptance, appointment wait times, and the availability of evening or weekend hours. Practices that readily accept Medicare and Medicaid patients, along with those offering convenient appointment scheduling, contribute positively to accessibility. Furthermore, the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often provide primary care services, can alleviate some of the pressure on PCPs. The ease of access to primary care is crucial because PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or needing routine screenings.

Identifying standout practices within the 18244 ZIP Code requires a deeper dive. This involves researching individual physician profiles, reviewing patient testimonials (where available and ethically permissible), and assessing the practice’s technological infrastructure. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, preventative care, and early detection are particularly noteworthy. This includes those offering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams, and referrals to specialists as needed. The presence of patient navigators or care coordinators, who help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, is also a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. The analysis should assess the extent to which practices in Parryville offer telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling or who live in geographically isolated areas. The ability to connect with specialists remotely can also expedite the diagnostic process and treatment planning. Practices that have embraced telehealth technologies demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and innovation.

Mental health resources are a crucial, often overlooked, component of prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services within the 18244 ZIP Code, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The presence of mental health professionals integrated within primary care or urology practices is particularly beneficial. These integrated services can improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological and emotional needs of individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

The integration of these factors – physician-to-patient ratios, primary care accessibility, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – provides a comprehensive picture of the prostate cancer care landscape in Parryville. This analysis should also consider the availability of advanced treatment options, such as radiation therapy and surgical expertise, within a reasonable driving distance. The proximity to larger medical centers and cancer treatment facilities is a crucial factor in assessing the overall quality of care.

Furthermore, the analysis should account for any disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity. Identifying and addressing these disparities is essential to ensure equitable access to high-quality prostate cancer care for all residents of Parryville. This requires examining the demographics of the patient population and assessing whether all segments of the community have equal opportunities to receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing a clear and concise overview of the available resources, patients can proactively engage in their care and advocate for their needs. This includes understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas where improvements are needed.

In conclusion, assessing prostate cancer care in Parryville involves a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, from physician availability to mental health resources. The aim is to provide a clear picture of the local healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in Parryville, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other relevant facilities, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Use CartoChrome to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.