15963, Windber, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 15963, Windber, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.59 percent of the residents in 15963 has some form of health insurance. 41.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.02 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 15963 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,028 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15963. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,304 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 807 health care providers accessible to residents in 15963, Windber, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Windber, PA (ZIP Code 15963)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of arthritis care within Windber, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15963), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access, resources, and potential for improvement. The "Arthritis Score" is a composite metric, considering factors crucial for effective arthritis management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals living with arthritis in Windber.

The foundation of effective arthritis care rests on accessible primary care. In Windber, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and hindered access to ongoing care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. The analysis will consider publicly available data, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data, to determine the PCP-to-patient ratio within the 15963 ZIP code. This ratio will be a significant component of the overall Arthritis Score.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices are essential. The analysis will evaluate the practices' focus on chronic disease management, including arthritis. This includes assessing whether the practices have dedicated protocols for arthritis screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The availability of on-site resources, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to rheumatology specialists, is another key consideration. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to chronic disease management and offer comprehensive services will receive a higher score.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including improved access to care for patients with mobility limitations, reduced travel burdens, and the potential for more frequent monitoring. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to providing convenient and accessible care.

The impact of arthritis extends beyond physical symptoms. Chronic pain and limitations can significantly affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the Arthritis Score. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within the Windber community, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care plans, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, will be viewed favorably.

Standout practices within Windber, if any, will be identified. These practices will be those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in arthritis care. This could include practices with a high patient satisfaction rating, a strong focus on patient education, or innovative approaches to care delivery. The analysis will highlight these practices as examples of best practices within the community. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews and practice websites, will be utilized to identify these standout practices.

The presence of rheumatology specialists is critical. While PCPs are the gateway to care, rheumatologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating arthritis. The analysis will determine the availability of rheumatologists in the Windber area and the ease of access for patients. Proximity to specialists and the ability of PCPs to easily refer patients to rheumatologists will be factored into the overall score. The availability of specialists impacts the speed of diagnosis and treatment.

The overall Arthritis Score for Windber will be a composite of these factors. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in effective arthritis management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for individuals living with arthritis in the community. This score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.

Accessibility is also influenced by insurance acceptance. The analysis will consider the insurance plans accepted by local practices. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, will be considered more accessible to a broader population. This ensures that individuals, regardless of their insurance coverage, can access the care they need.

Patient education is another crucial element. Practices that provide educational materials, such as brochures, online resources, and support groups, will receive a higher score. Patient education empowers individuals to manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. The analysis will examine the availability of patient education resources within local practices.

The analysis will also consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate communication between providers, and provide patients with access to their health information. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively will be viewed favorably.

The analysis will consider the availability of support groups and community resources for individuals with arthritis. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to connect with others, share experiences, and receive emotional support. Community resources, such as local chapters of the Arthritis Foundation, can provide additional information and support.

The final Arthritis Score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing for easy understanding and interpretation. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used and the factors considered. The analysis will also identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for enhancing arthritis care in Windber.

This analysis is intended to be a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape for arthritis in Windber. The findings can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders about the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. The goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with arthritis in the community.

**For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Windber, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their maps provide a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare resources available in the area. Visit CartoChrome to explore the maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Windber.**