15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.31 percent of the residents in 15929 has some form of health insurance. 17.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.08 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 15929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15929. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,171 health care providers accessible to residents in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Dilltown, PA (ZIP Code 15929)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for doctors within the 15929 ZIP code, focusing on their ability to effectively manage arthritis patients. This score considers factors crucial to arthritis care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The primary focus is on the availability of primary care in Dilltown, as this is often the initial point of contact for patients experiencing arthritis symptoms.

Dilltown, Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge in healthcare accessibility. Rural communities often face hurdles in securing adequate medical resources, especially for specialized care like rheumatology. Therefore, this analysis prioritizes the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) as a critical first step in managing arthritis. The Arthritis Score, in this context, is heavily weighted towards the ability of PCPs to provide timely diagnosis, initial treatment, and appropriate referrals.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Dilltown, and the surrounding areas within 15929, is a significant factor in the Arthritis Score. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and a reduced opportunity for ongoing care. Research into the local healthcare landscape reveals a potentially strained PCP availability. This scarcity can directly impact the ability of patients to receive prompt attention for arthritis symptoms, which are often time-sensitive.

Standout practices within the 15929 area are evaluated based on several criteria. Are they accepting new patients? Do they have experience with arthritis management? Do they have a good reputation in the community? Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to arthritis care, such as offering educational materials or participating in local health initiatives, receive higher scores. Identifying practices that prioritize patient education and provide comprehensive care is crucial for improving the Arthritis Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, are viewed favorably. This technology can reduce the burden of travel, allowing patients to connect with their doctors more easily and frequently.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as essential for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of mental health support within the practice or through referral networks. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established partnerships with mental health professionals are ranked higher. The chronic pain and limitations associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, making access to these resources critical.

The analysis also considers the availability of specialized care, even though Dilltown may not have a dedicated rheumatologist. The ability of PCPs to make timely and appropriate referrals to rheumatologists in nearby areas is factored into the score. The efficiency and clarity of the referral process are assessed. The faster a patient can see a specialist, the better their prognosis.

The Arthritis Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. Factors like changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health services can all influence the score over time. Regular updates are necessary to ensure the score accurately reflects the quality of care available to arthritis patients in Dilltown.

The evaluation process involves gathering data from various sources, including publicly available information, insurance provider directories, and patient reviews. The analysis is based on the information available at the time of the assessment. The score is intended to be a helpful tool for patients seeking care, but it should not be considered a definitive ranking.

The final Arthritis Score for the 15929 ZIP code is a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing the needs of arthritis patients. The score is intended to highlight areas where improvements can be made. The goal is to promote better access to care and improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with arthritis in Dilltown.

The analysis also considers the practice’s adherence to evidence-based guidelines for arthritis management. This includes factors such as the use of recommended diagnostic tests, the prescription of appropriate medications, and the implementation of non-pharmacological therapies like physical therapy. Practices that adhere to these guidelines receive higher scores.

The availability of patient education materials is also considered. Practices that provide patients with information about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies are viewed favorably. Education empowers patients to take an active role in their care and can lead to better outcomes.

The analysis also looks at the accessibility of the practice. This includes factors such as the availability of evening and weekend appointments, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the availability of transportation assistance. Practices that are more accessible to patients receive higher scores.

The overall goal of the Arthritis Score is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of arthritis care available in Dilltown. The score is intended to be a useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By highlighting areas of strength and weakness, the score can help to improve the care of arthritis patients in the community.

For a detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Dilltown, PA (ZIP Code 15929), including physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform offers a powerful way to understand the local healthcare environment and make informed decisions about your care.