18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.78 percent of the residents in 18505 has some form of health insurance. 50.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.36 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 18505 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18505. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,717 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, and access to quality healthcare, including primary care, is paramount in its early detection and management. This analysis delves into the landscape of prostate cancer care within the 18505 ZIP code, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare tools.

The 18505 ZIP code, encompassing a portion of Scranton, Pennsylvania, presents a unique healthcare environment. Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first step. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying crucial screenings and follow-up appointments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards provide insights into these ratios. Specific numbers are essential. For example, if the ratio is 1:1500, meaning one PCP serves 1500 patients, this suggests a potentially strained system compared to a ratio of 1:800.

Scranton's primary care landscape also necessitates an examination of practice models. Are practices primarily solo, group, or affiliated with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer advantages such as shared resources, broader specialist networks, and improved after-hours coverage. Affiliation with established healthcare systems, like Geisinger or Commonwealth Health, can further enhance care coordination and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The presence of board-certified urologists within or easily accessible to the 18505 area is another critical factor.

Standout practices within the 18505 ZIP code deserve special consideration. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in prostate cancer care. This could be evidenced by early detection rates, patient satisfaction scores, adherence to national guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment, and the utilization of advanced technologies. For example, a practice that consistently uses prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, offers digital rectal exams, and refers patients to urologists promptly would be considered commendable. Patient testimonials and online reviews, while subjective, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in areas with potential access challenges. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. The availability of secure online portals for accessing medical records and communicating with physicians further enhances the patient experience.

Mental health resources play a crucial role in cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer or connect patients with mental health support services, such as therapists, counselors, or support groups, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Integration of mental health services can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Access to specialized services like radiation oncology and surgical oncology is also a crucial component of prostate cancer care. The proximity of these specialists to the 18505 ZIP code is a determining factor. The availability of advanced treatment options, such as robotic-assisted surgery or advanced radiation therapy techniques, further enhances the quality of care.

To assess the overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for doctors in the 18505 ZIP code, a comprehensive evaluation is needed. This evaluation should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, the presence of board-certified urologists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource integration, and access to specialized services. Each factor should be weighted appropriately based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of urologists might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption.

The final score should reflect the overall quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care within the 18505 ZIP code. The score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents to easily understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. This score can be used to guide patients in selecting a primary care physician and seeking appropriate prostate cancer screening and treatment.

The 18505 ZIP code's prostate cancer care landscape is a dynamic environment. The data used to create this score needs to be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and technological advancements. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that residents of the 18505 ZIP code have access to the best possible prostate cancer care. This includes the ongoing assessment of the healthcare system's ability to meet the needs of its population.

Understanding the nuances of healthcare in the 18505 area is complex. It involves a deep dive into physician availability, practice models, and the integration of technology and mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality of prostate cancer care in the area.

For a visual representation of this data, including maps of physician locations, practice locations, and access to specialized services, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to easily identify the best resources for your needs.