18430, Herrick Center, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18430, Herrick Center, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18430 has some form of health insurance. 42.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 18430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18430. An estimate of 0 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 971 health care providers accessible to residents in 18430, Herrick Center, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Herrick Center, PA (ZIP Code 18430)

This analysis delves into the landscape of prostate cancer care within the Herrick Center, Pennsylvania area, specifically focusing on the ZIP code 18430. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the availability, quality, and accessibility of care, considering factors like physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather an assessment based on publicly available information and general healthcare trends.

The foundation of any prostate cancer care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Herrick Center, like many rural communities, may face challenges in this area. Primary care serves as the crucial first point of contact, facilitating screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of the disease. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can translate to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventative care. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require granular data, we can infer general trends. The overall healthcare landscape in the region suggests a potential scarcity of PCPs, which could impact timely prostate cancer screening and initial care.

The availability of urologists, the specialists directly involved in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, is another critical factor. Herrick Center's proximity to larger urban centers likely influences urologist access. Patients may need to travel to Scranton or other nearby cities to see a specialist. This travel burden can present challenges for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or limited access to transportation. The distance to specialized care can affect the speed with which patients receive critical diagnostic tests, such as biopsies, and treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.

Standout practices, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. This includes offering advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI fusion biopsies, and access to a range of treatment modalities. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and offer patient education programs also distinguish themselves. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into the specific services offered by individual clinics and hospitals in the region, which is beyond the scope of this general analysis.

Telemedicine adoption has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly in rural areas. It offers a potential solution to access barriers by enabling virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. The adoption of telemedicine by healthcare providers in the 18430 area could significantly improve access to care for prostate cancer patients. This is especially true for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients who may find it difficult to travel long distances. The availability of telemedicine platforms and the willingness of providers to embrace these technologies are crucial.

The emotional and psychological toll of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. The integration of mental health resources into prostate cancer care is therefore essential. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that prioritize mental health by offering on-site counseling services or referrals to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources within the Herrick Center area is an important consideration.

The evaluation of prostate cancer care also involves considering the quality of care, which can be assessed through various metrics. These metrics include the rates of early detection, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and patient satisfaction. Publicly available data on these metrics may be limited, but they provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of care delivery. The presence of accredited cancer centers and participation in quality improvement programs can indicate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care in the 18430 ZIP code suggests a mixed picture. While the proximity to larger urban centers offers access to specialized care, the potential scarcity of PCPs and the challenges associated with travel could pose barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources can help mitigate these challenges. The availability of specific services and the quality of care offered by individual practices require further investigation.

This analysis provides a general overview of the prostate cancer care landscape in the Herrick Center area. A more detailed assessment would require access to specific data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the Herrick Center area, including physician locations, facility information, and potential access to care, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides detailed visualizations and data analysis capabilities that can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.