19367, Pomeroy, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 19367, Pomeroy, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 19367 has some form of health insurance. 61.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.75 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 19367 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 21 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19367. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,614 health care providers accessible to residents in 19367, Pomeroy, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a comprehensive assessment of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 19367, encompassing Pomeroy, Pennsylvania, with a focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This evaluation aims to offer insights into the accessibility and quality of care for men in the region, specifically regarding prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care physicians (PCPs). Pomeroy’s primary care landscape significantly influences the early detection and management of this disease. Evaluating the availability of PCPs involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio, which provides a crucial metric for understanding access to care. A lower ratio generally indicates better access. However, this metric alone doesn't paint the full picture. Factors like insurance acceptance, appointment wait times, and the specific training and experience of the PCPs in prostate cancer screening (e.g., digital rectal exams and PSA testing) are equally important.

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. A thorough investigation would identify the number of PCPs actively practicing within 19367 and the estimated population. This information would then be used to calculate the ratio, providing a baseline understanding of access. However, this is a dynamic number, and changes over time.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening, such as those recommended by the American Urological Association (AUA) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Practices that routinely offer PSA testing and digital rectal exams for men over 50, or earlier for those with risk factors (family history, race), are considered best practices. Furthermore, the ability of PCPs to effectively communicate risk factors and the benefits and drawbacks of screening is crucial for patient-centered care.

Standout practices within 19367 would be those that demonstrate a proactive approach to prostate cancer screening and patient education. This could involve dedicated wellness programs, patient education materials, and a strong referral network to urologists and other specialists. These practices would also be expected to maintain a patient-friendly environment, minimizing wait times and providing clear and concise communication about test results and treatment options.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in modern healthcare, and its adoption within Pomeroy's medical community can significantly impact access to care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. For prostate cancer patients, this can translate to reduced travel time, increased convenience, and improved adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and patient education, are likely to provide a more accessible and patient-centered experience.

Mental health support is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on patients and their families. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for addressing these challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. The presence of support groups specifically for prostate cancer patients, either in-person or online, can provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community.

The referral network within 19367 is another key factor. The ability of PCPs to efficiently refer patients to qualified urologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. A strong referral network ensures that patients receive the specialized care they need, when they need it. The proximity of these specialists to Pomeroy is also important, as it impacts the convenience and accessibility of care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of prostate cancer care in Pomeroy involves a multi-faceted approach. It requires evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices that prioritize screening and patient education, assessing the adoption of telemedicine, and examining the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis, which would require significant data collection and analysis, would provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and inform patients about the best options for their care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pomeroy, including the location of medical practices, specialists, and support services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your care.