18519, Scranton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18519, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.71 percent of the residents in 18519 has some form of health insurance. 44.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.35 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 18519 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,209 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18519. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,045 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,943 health care providers accessible to residents in 18519, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis examines the quality of prostate cancer care and primary care access within the 18519 ZIP code, encompassing Scranton, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This assessment considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, to provide a comprehensive overview.

Prostate cancer care within the 18519 ZIP code is influenced by the broader healthcare landscape of Scranton. The city, while having access to regional medical centers, faces challenges common to many mid-sized urban areas. These include variations in access to specialized care, particularly for oncology, and the need for robust primary care infrastructure to facilitate early detection and coordinated treatment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Scranton, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a key determinant of prostate cancer screening rates. A higher PCP-to-patient ratio generally indicates easier access to preventative care, including routine prostate exams and PSA testing. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. The distribution of PCPs across the area, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and their patient load all contribute to the actual ease of access. Furthermore, the availability of urologists, specialists in prostate health, is equally important. The ratio of urologists to the population, particularly the male population over 50, is a direct indicator of specialized care availability.

Standout practices within the 18519 ZIP code and the broader Scranton area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. These practices often integrate several key elements. First, they prioritize early detection through regular screening programs and patient education. Second, they utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and genomic testing, to accurately stage and characterize prostate cancer. Third, they offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and emerging therapies, tailored to the individual patient's needs. Finally, they emphasize patient support services, including access to support groups, nutrition counseling, and mental health resources. Identifying these standout practices requires a deep dive into practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, data from healthcare rating organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in prostate cancer care. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including improved access to specialists, particularly for patients in underserved areas. It can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and follow-up appointments. The adoption rate of telemedicine varies among practices in Scranton. Some practices may have fully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities. Others may be in the early stages of adoption, offering limited telemedicine options. The availability of high-speed internet access in the area also influences telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of prostate cancer care, but they are vitally important. A prostate cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have a significant emotional impact on patients. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. Therefore, access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model are better equipped to support patients throughout their journey. This can include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and educational resources about coping with the emotional challenges of cancer. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, also plays a crucial role in providing emotional support.

Primary care availability in Scranton significantly impacts prostate cancer outcomes. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, and they play a critical role in early detection. They can conduct routine prostate exams, order PSA tests, and refer patients to urologists for further evaluation. The availability of PCPs, therefore, directly influences screening rates and the likelihood of early diagnosis. Furthermore, PCPs often coordinate care, ensuring that patients receive the necessary referrals, follow-up appointments, and support services. The presence of robust primary care infrastructure is essential for a well-coordinated approach to prostate cancer care.

The assessment of prostate cancer care and primary care access in the 18519 ZIP code requires a multifaceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the characteristics of standout practices, assessing the adoption of telemedicine, and examining the availability of mental health resources. The quality of care is not solely determined by the number of physicians but also by the integration of these key elements. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay informed about the latest developments in prostate cancer care and primary care access.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources within the 18519 ZIP code, including the distribution of physicians, the location of medical facilities, and the availability of support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and making informed decisions about accessing care.