19023, Darby, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 19023, Darby, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.11 percent of the residents in 19023 has some form of health insurance. 48.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.40 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 19023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,912 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19023. An estimate of 33 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,925 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 33,085 health care providers accessible to residents in 19023, Darby, Pennsylvania.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Darby, PA (ZIP Code 19023)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of prostate cancer care within Darby, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19023), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services, a crucial element in early detection and management of this disease. We'll examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and consider the availability of mental health resources, all contributing factors to a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" for the area. This score, while not a single numerical value, represents a holistic assessment of the community's preparedness to address prostate cancer.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams, significantly improves treatment outcomes. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the likelihood of these screenings occurring. In Darby, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Data from local and regional healthcare organizations, along with publicly available information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, would be essential to determine the exact ratio. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 19023 ZIP code, factoring in their specialties (internal medicine, family practice) and patient load.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Some practices may stand out due to their proactive approach to prostate cancer screening and management. These "standout practices" often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering resources on prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. They might implement reminder systems for patients due for screenings, proactively contacting them to schedule appointments. Furthermore, these practices may have established relationships with urologists and other specialists, ensuring seamless referrals for patients requiring further evaluation or treatment. Identifying these standout practices would involve reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and assessing their participation in quality improvement initiatives related to cancer screening and prevention.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the "Prostate Cancer Score." Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, offers several advantages in prostate cancer care. It can facilitate virtual consultations with PCPs, allowing patients to discuss their concerns and receive preliminary assessments without the need for in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking a second opinion. Examining the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in Darby would involve investigating their use of video conferencing platforms, secure messaging systems, and remote monitoring devices. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and access to care.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis is significant. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common among patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of the "Prostate Cancer Score." This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. The analysis must investigate the presence of mental health providers within the 19023 ZIP code, assessing their capacity to serve the needs of the community. Furthermore, it should consider the availability of programs specifically tailored to the needs of prostate cancer patients and their families. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers, facilitating easy referrals, would also be a positive indicator.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not just about the availability of services; it's also about the quality and coordination of care. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, involving PCPs, urologists, oncologists, and other specialists, is a key indicator of a well-coordinated approach to prostate cancer management. These teams collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective care. The analysis would need to identify the existence of such teams within the Darby area, assessing the frequency of their interactions and the effectiveness of their communication.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the demographics of the population within the 19023 ZIP code. Prostate cancer disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African American men. Understanding the demographic makeup of the community is essential to identify potential disparities in access to care and tailor interventions accordingly. The analysis would need to examine the racial and ethnic composition of the population and assess whether primary care practices are culturally competent and equipped to address the specific needs of diverse patient populations.

In conclusion, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Darby, PA (ZIP code 19023) will be determined by a complex interplay of factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, and the demographic characteristics of the population all contribute to the overall score. A higher score indicates a community better equipped to detect, diagnose, and manage prostate cancer effectively.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Darby, PA, including the location of primary care practices, specialist offices, and mental health providers, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources within the 19023 ZIP code, helping you visualize the key elements that contribute to the "Prostate Cancer Score."