18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.61 percent of the residents in 18828 has some form of health insurance. 47.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.84 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 18828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Lawton, PA (ZIP Code 18828) and Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the prostate cancer care landscape within ZIP code 18828 (Lawton, PA), evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, a critical factor in early detection and management of this disease. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" for the area. The ultimate goal is to provide insights for patients seeking care and highlight areas for potential improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem.

Lawton, PA, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in healthcare access. Sparse population distribution often translates to lower physician density compared to urban areas. This directly impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, a crucial metric reflecting the availability of primary care providers. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally signifies better access to care and potentially earlier detection of prostate cancer through regular screenings and check-ups. Conversely, a higher ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Precise physician-to-patient ratio data for 18828 is difficult to obtain without specific, up-to-the-minute data from healthcare databases. However, we can infer trends based on broader regional statistics and the availability of practices in the area.

Standout practices are those demonstrating a commitment to proactive prostate cancer screening and patient education. These practices often integrate best practices, such as regular digital rectal exams (DREs) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, into their routine care. They may also offer patient education materials, support groups, or referrals to urologists for further evaluation when necessary. Identifying these practices requires reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice websites, and assessing their adherence to national guidelines for prostate cancer screening. Practices actively participating in community health initiatives and promoting preventative care would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator of healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and mitigating geographical barriers to care. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive higher scores. The availability of reliable internet infrastructure in Lawton is crucial for the successful implementation of telemedicine.

Mental health resources play a significant role in the overall well-being of prostate cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or chronic illness, is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care and would receive higher scores. The presence of support groups and educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of cancer care also contributes to a positive score.

Assessing the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Lawton involves a multi-faceted approach. The score considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each of these factors is weighted based on its relative importance in providing comprehensive and accessible prostate cancer care. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for patients, with better access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Conversely, a lower score signals potential challenges in accessing care and highlights areas where improvements are needed.

The primary care landscape in Lawton, like many rural areas, likely presents a mixed picture. While some practices may excel in prostate cancer screening and patient support, others may face resource constraints or limited access to specialists. The availability of telemedicine and mental health services could vary significantly among practices. Overall, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for 18828 is likely to be influenced by the community's ability to overcome the challenges of rural healthcare delivery.

The analysis of primary care availability in Lawton, PA, is an ongoing process. Healthcare landscapes are dynamic, with practices evolving and adapting to meet the needs of their patients. Regular updates and assessments are essential to ensure the accuracy of the "Prostate Cancer Score" and to identify areas where improvements can be made. This includes tracking changes in physician staffing, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of mental health resources.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lawton, PA, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice specializations, and telemedicine availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and identifying patterns in healthcare access. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain valuable insights into the availability of prostate cancer care in your community and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.