The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18512, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.05 percent of the residents in 18512 has some form of health insurance. 37.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.82 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 18512 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,636 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18512. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,358 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,014 health care providers accessible to residents in 18512, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18512, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Prostate Cancer Score | 63 |
---|---|
People Score | 26 |
Provider Score | 93 |
Hospital Score | 14 |
Travel Score | 78 |
18512 | Scranton | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18512)
This analysis assesses the availability and quality of prostate cancer care within the 18512 ZIP code, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, specialist availability, and associated resources. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape for men seeking prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The ultimate goal is to understand the relative ease of access to quality care.
Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city with a rich history and a diverse population, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities within its healthcare system. The analysis will delve into the specifics of the area, examining the crucial elements that contribute to a positive or negative prostate cancer care experience.
**Primary Care Physician (PCP) Availability & Physician-to-Patient Ratios**
The foundation of effective prostate cancer care begins with accessible primary care. PCPs are the gatekeepers to early detection, providing initial screenings and referrals to specialists. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio within 18512 is critical. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and local healthcare directories must be reviewed to accurately determine the PCP availability in the area. Furthermore, the demographics of the area should be considered. Scranton's population, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, can impact healthcare access.
**Specialist Availability: Urologists and Oncologists**
Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is paramount. Urologists, specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system, are essential for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. Oncologists, specializing in cancer treatment, are crucial for managing the disease. The presence of a sufficient number of urologists and oncologists within or near 18512 is a key factor in the Prostate Cancer Score. Assessing the number of specialists practicing in the area, their areas of expertise (e.g., robotic surgery, radiation oncology), and their affiliation with hospitals and cancer centers is vital. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, offering advanced treatment options, also significantly impacts the score.
**Standout Practices and Hospitals**
Identifying standout practices and hospitals in the area is essential. These institutions often demonstrate excellence in prostate cancer care through specialized programs, experienced medical professionals, and access to cutting-edge technology. Factors to consider include the availability of advanced imaging techniques (e.g., MRI, PET scans), minimally invasive surgical options (e.g., robotic-assisted prostatectomy), and access to clinical trials. Reviews from patients, accreditations from organizations like the American College of Surgeons, and data on patient outcomes are critical in determining the quality of care provided by these institutions. Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital are likely candidates for evaluation.
**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap**
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists. Examining the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists in 18512 is crucial. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically remote areas. Assessing the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use, and patient satisfaction with these services are important considerations.
**Mental Health Resources: Addressing the Emotional Toll**
A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional impact on patients and their families. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services within the 18512 area is essential. Assessing the integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan, including referrals from PCPs and specialists, is also important. The availability of resources specifically tailored to the needs of men dealing with prostate cancer is a significant positive factor.
**Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection Programs**
The effectiveness of prostate cancer care hinges on early detection. Evaluating the presence of prostate cancer screening programs within the 18512 area is crucial. These programs may be offered by hospitals, clinics, or community organizations. Assessing the awareness of these programs among the local population and the ease of access to screening services (e.g., PSA tests) are important factors. Analyzing the availability of educational materials about prostate cancer screening and early detection is also important.
**Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance**
The affordability of healthcare is a major concern for many patients. Evaluating the acceptance of various insurance plans by PCPs and specialists in 18512 is important. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford the cost of care is another critical factor. Assessing the availability of information about these programs and the ease of access to financial aid are important considerations.
**Overall Score and Considerations**
The Prostate Cancer Score for 18512 would be determined by weighting the factors above. A high score would indicate excellent access to primary care, a sufficient number of specialists, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, robust mental health resources, comprehensive screening programs, and affordable care. A low score would indicate the opposite. The score would be a dynamic measure, changing as healthcare infrastructure and services evolve.
**Call to Action**
To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Scranton, PA, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps provide valuable insights into the availability of healthcare providers, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare options.
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