16156, Volant, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16156, Volant, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.37 percent of the residents in 16156 has some form of health insurance. 30.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.43 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 16156 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,010 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16156. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 521 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,433 health care providers accessible to residents in 16156, Volant, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16156 & Primary Care in Volant, PA

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 16156 and the surrounding area of Volant, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score" assessment, aims to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis. These factors include physician accessibility, specialized resources, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The "Arthritis Score" is a conceptual framework, not a standardized metric, providing a qualitative assessment.

The primary care physician (PCP) is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing arthritis symptoms. Therefore, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. In ZIP Code 16156, a rural area, access to PCPs can be a challenge. The availability of primary care physicians is likely lower than in more densely populated areas. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for patients. The "Arthritis Score" for accessibility would be negatively impacted if the ratio is unfavorable.

The town of Volant, a small community near 16156, further complicates the situation. Primary care availability in Volant is likely influenced by its size and proximity to larger towns and cities like New Castle or Sharon. Patients may need to travel outside of Volant for specialized care or to see a PCP accepting new patients. This travel burden can be particularly difficult for individuals with arthritis, who may experience mobility limitations. The "Arthritis Score" will reflect this potential geographical challenge.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would significantly improve the "Arthritis Score." These practices may distinguish themselves through several factors. A practice with a dedicated rheumatologist on staff or regular visiting specialists would be highly valued. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to diagnostic imaging, would also receive high marks. The presence of patient education programs, support groups, and proactive disease management strategies would also contribute positively.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in modern healthcare. The "Arthritis Score" heavily weighs the adoption of telemedicine. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are more accessible to patients, particularly those with mobility challenges or residing in remote areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their physicians. In a rural area like 16156 and the Volant vicinity, telemedicine could be a game-changer.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis management, but they are essential. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the primary care setting or through referrals, is a critical component of a high "Arthritis Score." Practices that recognize the link between physical and mental health and provide integrated care would score higher.

Specific examples are critical to this analysis. Identifying the number of PCPs accepting new patients in the area is paramount. The presence of any rheumatologists or specialists within a reasonable driving distance (e.g., 30-45 minutes) would be a significant advantage. Investigating the availability of physical therapy clinics, occupational therapy services, and diagnostic imaging facilities (like X-ray and MRI) is also crucial. The presence of patient education materials, support groups, and online resources for arthritis management would enhance the score.

The "Arthritis Score" would also consider the practice's responsiveness to patient needs. This includes factors like appointment availability, communication methods (e.g., phone, email, patient portal), and the overall patient experience. Practices that prioritize patient communication, provide clear and concise information, and offer a supportive environment would receive higher marks. The practice's willingness to work with patients on medication management, pain control, and lifestyle modifications is also essential.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to share patient information seamlessly with other healthcare providers are also important. EHRs improve care coordination, reduce medical errors, and allow for better tracking of patient progress. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively and facilitate communication between specialists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals would score higher.

In the context of Volant, the analysis would need to consider the town's proximity to larger healthcare centers. Even if Volant itself lacks comprehensive primary care, access to nearby hospitals, clinics, and specialists is crucial. The "Arthritis Score" would reflect the ease of access to these resources, considering factors like transportation options and travel time.

Ultimately, the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 16156 and primary care availability in Volant would be a composite of these factors. The score would reflect the accessibility of primary care physicians, the availability of specialized resources, the integration of modern healthcare practices, and the overall quality of care provided to patients managing arthritis. The lower the physician-to-patient ratio, the lower the score. The absence of telemedicine, the lower the score. The lack of mental health services, the lower the score. The absence of specialists, the lower the score.

For a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 16156 and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and access to healthcare facilities.