15906, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 15906, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.91 percent of the residents in 15906 has some form of health insurance. 60.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.99 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 15906 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,590 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15906. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,236 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,052 health care providers accessible to residents in 15906, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Johnstown, PA (ZIP Code 15906)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of arthritis care within Johnstown, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the 15906 ZIP code. We will assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in an overall "Arthritis Score" assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals seeking care and to highlight areas for potential improvement within the local healthcare system.

Johnstown, a city with a history rooted in industry, faces unique challenges related to healthcare access. The aging population, coupled with a prevalence of chronic conditions like arthritis, underscores the importance of readily available and high-quality care. Our analysis will consider factors beyond simple physician counts, including the integration of technology, the availability of supportive services, and the overall patient experience.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio**

The foundation of effective arthritis management often lies in the accessibility of primary care. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, providing diagnoses, managing medications, and coordinating referrals to specialists. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within the 15906 ZIP code is crucial. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to timely care. Researching the specific number of PCPs actively practicing within the area, alongside the estimated population served, will provide a crucial baseline. This initial assessment will help determine the overall accessibility of primary care services.

Further investigation should examine the availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute needs. The ability to quickly see a PCP is essential for managing flare-ups and preventing the progression of arthritis symptoms. Additionally, the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, which are frequently utilized by the elderly population, is a critical consideration.

**Specialist Care and Rheumatology Access**

Beyond primary care, access to rheumatologists is paramount for effective arthritis treatment. Rheumatologists are specialists trained in diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases, including various forms of arthritis. The number of practicing rheumatologists within the 15906 ZIP code and the surrounding areas is a key indicator of the quality of arthritis care.

Analyzing the geographic distribution of rheumatologists is also essential. Are specialists concentrated in certain areas, potentially creating access challenges for patients in more remote parts of Johnstown? Examining the referral process from PCPs to rheumatologists is also important. Are there established referral pathways, or are patients left to navigate the system independently? The efficiency of this process directly impacts the time it takes for patients to receive specialized care.

**Standout Practices and Centers of Excellence**

Identifying standout practices and centers of excellence within the region is crucial. This involves evaluating factors such as the experience and qualifications of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., MRI, ultrasound), and the range of treatment options offered (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication management, and injections).

Researching patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the patient experience at different practices. Are patients satisfied with the level of communication, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall quality of care? Investigating the adoption of patient-centered care models, which prioritize patient involvement in decision-making, is also a key indicator of quality.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Digital Health Integration**

The integration of telemedicine and digital health tools has the potential to significantly improve arthritis care, particularly in geographically dispersed areas like Johnstown. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs and rheumatologists in the 15906 ZIP code is essential. Are virtual consultations offered? Are electronic health records (EHRs) integrated to facilitate information sharing between physicians? Are patients provided with access to online portals for managing their health information and communicating with their care teams?

The use of wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies can also play a role in arthritis management. These tools can track patient activity levels, monitor pain levels, and provide physicians with valuable data to inform treatment decisions.

**Mental Health Resources and Integrated Care**

Arthritis can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to conditions such as depression and anxiety. The availability of mental health resources and the integration of mental health services into arthritis care are crucial.

Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the 15906 ZIP code is essential. Does the healthcare system offer integrated care models that address both physical and mental health needs? Are there programs that offer support groups or educational resources for patients with arthritis?

The ability to access mental health services, either through referrals from PCPs or directly, is a key factor in the overall quality of arthritis care.

**Overall "Arthritis Score" Assessment**

Based on the factors outlined above, an "Arthritis Score" can be assigned to the 15906 ZIP code. This score would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of arthritis care within the region. The score would be based on a weighted average of the following components: physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, patient satisfaction, and mental health resource integration.

The higher the score, the better the overall quality of care. The score can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare system and to inform efforts to improve arthritis care for residents of Johnstown.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Johnstown, PA, is complex. The information presented provides a framework for assessing the quality of arthritis care. To gain a more detailed and visually informative perspective, consider exploring interactive maps that visualize the data discussed.

**Explore the healthcare landscape of Johnstown, PA, with CartoChrome maps. Gain insights into physician locations, specialist availability, and resource access, all in an interactive and user-friendly format. Visit CartoChrome maps today to visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.**