15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.31 percent of the residents in 15733 has some form of health insurance. 62.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 20.00 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 15733 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 43 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15733. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 263 health care providers accessible to residents in 15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in 15733 & Primary Care in De Lancey

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically concerning arthritis care within the 15733 ZIP code (which encompasses the town of De Lancey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in determining an "Arthritis Score." This score, while not a formal metric, reflects the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing arthritis.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 15733, particularly regarding primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists, is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation for arthritis sufferers. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with publicly available physician directories, provides the foundation for estimating these ratios. However, the actual effectiveness of these ratios hinges on the availability of appointments, wait times, and the ability of physicians to accept new patients.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. These include the expertise of the physicians, the availability of specialized services (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to diagnostic imaging), and the overall patient experience. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer comprehensive treatment plans, and utilize evidence-based practices would score higher. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to arthritis treatment demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly vital, particularly for rural communities. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patient progress remotely, and provide medication management can significantly improve access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The ease of use of these platforms, the technical support provided to patients, and the integration of telemedicine with existing electronic health records are also important considerations.

The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the impact on daily life can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a crucial component of a comprehensive arthritis care plan. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of their patients. The presence of support groups specifically for arthritis sufferers, either in-person or online, also contributes to a higher score.

To assess the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in 15733, the following considerations would be weighed. The physician-to-patient ratio is the foundation. A low ratio, coupled with long wait times, would negatively impact the score. The presence of rheumatologists within the immediate area is also a significant factor. The availability of specialized services, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, further enhances the score.

The practices themselves are graded based on patient reviews, the expertise of the physicians, and their commitment to evidence-based practices. Practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to arthritis treatment would score higher. Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor, especially for rural communities. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and easy-to-use platforms would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are essential. Practices offering integrated mental health services or having established referral pathways to mental health professionals significantly improve the score. The presence of support groups for arthritis sufferers, either in-person or online, also contributes to a higher score.

The overall "Arthritis Score" for doctors in 15733 is therefore not a single number but a composite assessment based on these interconnected factors. It reflects the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care available to individuals managing arthritis within the area. The goal is to assess how well the healthcare infrastructure in De Lancey and its surrounding areas meets the needs of those living with arthritis.

Primary care availability in De Lancey is a critical component of the overall picture. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing arthritis symptoms. Their ability to provide initial diagnoses, initiate treatment plans, and refer patients to specialists is crucial. The number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, and the overall patient experience within these practices all contribute to the "Arthritis Score."

The presence of urgent care facilities within the 15733 ZIP code is also a factor. These facilities can provide immediate care for acute exacerbations of arthritis symptoms, offering a valuable alternative to emergency room visits. The availability of these facilities, their hours of operation, and their staffing levels are all considered.

The analysis of the "Arthritis Score" in 15733 provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It highlights areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and enhancing access to mental health resources. This analysis helps inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities in providing quality arthritis care in this rural Pennsylvania community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15733 and visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, clinic locations, and support services, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a clear and comprehensive view of the healthcare infrastructure, helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.