16033, Evans City, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16033, Evans City, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.28 percent of the residents in 16033 has some form of health insurance. 29.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.58 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 16033 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,274 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16033. An estimate of 14 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,153 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,264 health care providers accessible to residents in 16033, Evans City, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides an Arthritis Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) in ZIP code 16033, focusing on Evans City, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This score considers factors relevant to arthritis patients, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing arthritis in this locale.

The foundation of a good Arthritis Score is readily accessible primary care. Evans City, like many rural communities, faces potential challenges in this area. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, decreased time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau are useful in calculating this ratio. A low ratio, reflecting a scarcity of PCPs, would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of physicians matters. Are PCPs clustered in one part of Evans City, leaving other areas underserved? The presence of a diverse range of PCPs is also important. This includes physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, and geriatric medicine. A variety of perspectives and areas of expertise can contribute to a more comprehensive approach to arthritis care.

Practice characteristics contribute significantly to the Arthritis Score. The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray machines and basic lab work, is a major plus. This reduces the need for patients to travel to external facilities for routine tests, which can be especially challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. Practices that actively participate in patient education programs, providing resources about arthritis management, medication side effects, and lifestyle adjustments, score higher.

Standout practices within the 16033 ZIP code would be those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. This includes offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs. Practices that have a dedicated care coordinator or nurse navigator to assist arthritis patients in navigating the healthcare system would also be highly regarded. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that are easily accessible to patients and allow for seamless communication with specialists is another factor.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online access to medical records receive a boost in their Arthritis Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and allow for more frequent check-ins with physicians. This is particularly valuable for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty leaving their homes.

Mental health is a frequently overlooked but critical component of arthritis care. Chronic pain and disability can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals score higher. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also beneficial. A holistic approach to care that addresses both physical and mental health needs is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

The Arthritis Score also considers the practice's approach to medication management. Do physicians carefully consider the potential side effects of medications used to treat arthritis? Are they proactive in monitoring patients for adverse reactions and adjusting dosages as needed? Practices that emphasize shared decision-making, involving patients in the choice of treatment options, are highly valued. This collaborative approach empowers patients to take an active role in their own care.

Accessibility is a key component of the Arthritis Score. This includes physical accessibility, such as wheelchair-accessible exam rooms and waiting areas. It also encompasses financial accessibility, such as accepting a wide range of insurance plans and offering payment plans for patients with limited financial resources. Practices that prioritize patient affordability and convenience are more likely to provide high-quality care.

The overall Arthritis Score for the 16033 ZIP code is a composite measure reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. A high score indicates a well-resourced environment with readily available PCPs, comprehensive services, and a strong emphasis on patient-centered care. A low score suggests potential challenges in accessing care, limited resources, and a need for improvement in certain areas.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape in Evans City and the surrounding areas, including the distribution of physicians, practice locations, and access to services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare environment and identifying areas where improvements are needed.