16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.77 percent of the residents in 16254 has some form of health insurance. 40.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.49 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 16254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 831 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16254. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 671 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16254 and Primary Care Availability in Shippenville

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Shippenville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16254) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," considers factors crucial for individuals managing arthritis, including physician accessibility, specialized care, and supportive resources. The score is not a formal, standardized metric but rather a qualitative assessment based on available data and expert understanding of the healthcare landscape.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Accessibility:**

A fundamental aspect of the "Arthritis Score" is the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. While precise, real-time data is often proprietary, publicly available sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide population estimates. These figures, combined with information on the number of practicing PCPs in 16254, offer a rough estimate of patient load per doctor. A lower ratio generally indicates better accessibility.

Accessibility extends beyond mere numbers. Factors like office hours, appointment scheduling processes, and the willingness to accept new patients are critical. Practices with flexible scheduling, including evening or weekend hours, and efficient appointment systems contribute positively to the "Arthritis Score." Conversely, practices with long wait times or limited appointment availability detract from the score, particularly for patients managing chronic conditions like arthritis, where timely access to care is paramount.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating their commitment to patient care, particularly for individuals with arthritis. This assessment considers factors such as the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray, bloodwork), the presence of dedicated support staff (e.g., nurses, medical assistants trained in arthritis management), and the practice's overall patient satisfaction ratings.

Practices that actively participate in patient education, offering resources on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, receive higher scores. The availability of physical therapy or referrals to physical therapists specializing in arthritis care is also a significant positive factor. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to collaborative care, working closely with rheumatologists and other specialists, contribute positively to the overall "Arthritis Score."

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Implications:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions. The "Arthritis Score" assesses the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in 16254. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and secure online portals for patient communication receive higher scores.

Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. It allows for convenient follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors such as the availability of reliable internet access, the patient's comfort with technology, and the physician's ability to conduct thorough virtual examinations. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, ensuring patient privacy and data security, contribute positively to the "Arthritis Score."

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**

The impact of arthritis extends beyond physical symptoms, often affecting mental well-being. The "Arthritis Score" incorporates an assessment of the availability and integration of mental health resources within the primary care setting. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and offer access to therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists receive higher scores.

This integration can take various forms, including on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, or the use of screening tools to identify patients experiencing depression or anxiety. Practices that actively address the mental health needs of their patients demonstrate a holistic approach to care, contributing significantly to the "Arthritis Score." The ability to coordinate care between PCPs and mental health professionals is crucial for providing comprehensive support to individuals managing arthritis.

**Specific Considerations for Shippenville:**

The rural nature of Shippenville presents unique challenges and opportunities. The "Arthritis Score" considers the geographical distribution of PCPs and the availability of transportation options. Practices located in easily accessible areas, with convenient parking and public transportation access, receive higher scores.

The availability of specialized services, such as rheumatology, within a reasonable distance is also crucial. If rheumatologists are located in nearby towns or cities, the "Arthritis Score" assesses the ease of referral and the coordination of care between PCPs and rheumatologists. Practices that actively facilitate referrals and communicate effectively with specialists contribute positively to the score.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 16254 and primary care availability in Shippenville requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The analysis highlights the importance of accessibility, specialized care, and supportive services for individuals managing arthritis.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shippenville and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.