18630, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18630, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.10 percent of the residents in 18630 has some form of health insurance. 46.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.91 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 18630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 670 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18630. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 567 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 234 health care providers accessible to residents in 18630, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing prostate cancer care and primary care accessibility within Meshoppen, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18630) requires a nuanced approach. Due to the limited publicly available, granular data specific to individual physicians and practices within such a small geographic area, a precise "Prostate Cancer Score" ranking is impossible. Instead, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape, highlighting factors crucial to prostate cancer patients and those seeking primary care in this rural setting.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. In a rural area like Meshoppen, the availability of both primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, including urologists who treat prostate cancer, can be significantly lower than in urban areas. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatments. While precise ratios for 18630 are difficult to obtain without access to proprietary datasets, public sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer broader insights into primary care shortage areas within Wyoming County, where Meshoppen is located. This information helps understand the general level of access to care in the region.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. This includes practices that offer early detection screening, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams, along with access to advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and biopsy. Furthermore, practices that provide a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and potentially surgeons, are particularly valuable. The presence of a dedicated oncology nurse or patient navigator can significantly improve patient experience and coordination of care. Identifying these standout practices requires researching local hospitals and clinics, examining their websites, and reading patient reviews.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists, especially for those living in rural areas. The ability to consult with a urologist or oncologist remotely can save patients time and travel expenses. Furthermore, telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and even mental health support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and offer virtual consultations are likely to provide a more accessible and convenient care experience. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves checking practice websites for virtual visit options and inquiring directly about their telehealth capabilities.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for prostate cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential for supporting patients through their journey. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. Investigating mental health support involves researching local mental health providers and inquiring about referrals from primary care and specialist practices.

Primary care availability in Meshoppen is critical. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer or seeking routine screening. They can provide initial evaluations, order PSA tests, and make referrals to urologists. The availability of PCPs, their ability to provide timely appointments, and their knowledge of prostate cancer screening guidelines are all essential factors. Identifying available PCPs involves using online physician directories, contacting local clinics, and checking insurance provider websites for in-network providers.

The absence of specific data necessitates a broader approach to understanding prostate cancer care in Meshoppen. This involves researching local hospitals, clinics, and physician practices. Examining their websites, reading patient reviews, and contacting them directly to inquire about their services and capabilities. The information gathered should then be assessed based on the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall comprehensiveness of care offered.

The assessment of primary care availability requires a similar approach. Identifying local PCPs, assessing their appointment availability, and understanding their referral practices are essential steps. Patients should also consider factors such as insurance coverage and the convenience of the practice location.

In conclusion, while a precise "Prostate Cancer Score" ranking for individual doctors in 18630 is impractical with the available information, a thorough investigation into local healthcare providers can provide valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of care. Patients should proactively research practices, ask questions, and seek referrals to specialists when necessary. They should also prioritize practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, embrace telemedicine, and provide access to mental health resources.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Meshoppen and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, hospitals, and specialists, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, making it easier to understand access to care and plan your healthcare journey.