15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.09 percent of the residents in 15774 has some form of health insurance. 32.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.93 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 15774 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 537 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15774. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 604 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 143 health care providers accessible to residents in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in 15774 & Primary Care in Shelocta

Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare, particularly concerning arthritis management, within the ZIP code 15774 (which encompasses Shelocta, PA, and surrounding areas) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their ability to address arthritis, and related factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Arthritis Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio within 15774 necessitates careful data collection. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and potentially local hospital systems can be cross-referenced to estimate the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the overall population they serve. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care, including initial consultations for arthritis symptoms. However, this is just a starting point.

Shelocta, being a relatively small community, likely experiences challenges common to rural healthcare settings. These include potential shortages of specialists, such as rheumatologists who are specifically trained in arthritis diagnosis and treatment. Patients may need to travel to larger towns or cities, like Indiana, PA, or even further afield, to access specialized care. This travel burden can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals managing chronic conditions like arthritis, making timely appointments and follow-up care more difficult.

Identifying "standout practices" within 15774 and the surrounding area is crucial. This involves examining several factors. First, the presence of practices that emphasize patient-centered care, which includes actively listening to patient concerns, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing comprehensive education about arthritis management. Second, the availability of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray facilities, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the need for patients to travel to different locations for imaging. Third, the integration of ancillary services, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, is vital for managing the physical limitations often associated with arthritis. Practices that offer these services in-house or have strong referral networks demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption rate of telemedicine among PCPs in 15774 is a key indicator of the "Arthritis Score." Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of patients' conditions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and utilizing remote monitoring devices, are likely to provide a higher level of convenience and accessibility for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain and physical limitations can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a critical component of a comprehensive "Arthritis Score." Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of their patients. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling, and coordinating care with mental health specialists when necessary.

Assessing the quality of care also involves considering the experience and expertise of the physicians. This includes factors such as board certifications, years of experience, and any specialized training in rheumatology or musculoskeletal disorders. The availability of continuing medical education opportunities for PCPs in the area is also important. Practices that encourage their physicians to stay current with the latest advancements in arthritis treatment and management are more likely to provide high-quality care.

Patient satisfaction is another essential metric. Gathering patient feedback through surveys, online reviews, and other means can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by different practices. Analyzing patient satisfaction scores can help identify practices that are consistently delivering positive patient experiences and those that may need to improve their services.

Furthermore, the availability of patient education resources is a significant factor. Practices that provide patients with educational materials about arthritis, including information on disease management, lifestyle modifications, and available support groups, demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to take an active role in their own care. This can include providing access to online resources, educational brochures, and referrals to support groups.

The "Arthritis Score" for 15774, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment based on all these factors. The score would be higher if there is a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a good availability of specialists, the presence of standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust integration of mental health resources. The score would be lower if there are shortages of physicians, limited access to specialized care, a lack of comprehensive services, a low adoption rate of telemedicine, and inadequate mental health support.

To further visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in 15774 and beyond, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the "Arthritis Score" and the overall healthcare environment.