16255, Sligo, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16255, Sligo, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.98 percent of the residents in 16255 has some form of health insurance. 38.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.55 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 16255 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 385 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16255. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 354 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 438 health care providers accessible to residents in 16255, Sligo, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16255 & Primary Care Availability in Sligo

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP Code 16255, specifically focusing on their capacity to serve patients with arthritis. It also considers the broader context of primary care access in the nearby community of Sligo, Pennsylvania. This assessment utilizes an "Arthritis Score" framework, evaluating key factors influencing the quality of care for individuals managing this chronic condition.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios & Access Challenges:**

The foundational element of our Arthritis Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. ZIP Code 16255, encompassing Rimersburg and surrounding areas, is a primarily rural location. Rural areas often grapple with physician shortages, a reality that significantly impacts access to care. A low physician-to-patient ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a less comprehensive approach to arthritis management. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association is crucial to determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within this specific ZIP code. The analysis will need to ascertain the number of primary care physicians actively practicing in the area and compare this to the estimated population, factoring in the percentage of the population over 65, the age group most susceptible to arthritis.

Sligo, while geographically close, may face similar challenges. Its smaller population and potentially limited healthcare infrastructure could exacerbate access issues. The Arthritis Score will consider the ease of travel between Sligo and Rimersburg for primary care services, including the availability of public transportation and the average commute time.

**Standout Practices & Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 16255 is critical. The Arthritis Score will evaluate practices based on several criteria. First, the practice's acceptance of major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, is crucial for ensuring accessibility for a broad patient demographic. Second, the practice's patient satisfaction ratings, derived from online reviews and surveys, will be examined. This provides insight into the quality of patient-physician interactions and the overall experience.

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to specialized arthritis care will receive higher scores. This includes the presence of physicians with specific training or certifications in rheumatology or musculoskeletal medicine, or the presence of nurses or physician assistants with expertise in arthritis management. The availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines, can streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience. The Arthritis Score will reward practices offering comprehensive care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to pain management specialists.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Its Role:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly in rural areas, to bridge the gap in healthcare access. The Arthritis Score will assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in ZIP Code 16255. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patient symptoms, and online patient portals will receive higher scores. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for arthritis patients, allowing them to receive follow-up care, medication management, and educational resources from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

The analysis will investigate the types of telemedicine platforms used by local practices, considering factors like ease of use, security, and integration with electronic health records. The availability of telehealth services for mental health support, a critical component of arthritis care, will also be evaluated.

**Mental Health Resources & Integrated Care:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The Arthritis Score will place a strong emphasis on the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals. Practices that screen patients for depression and anxiety, and provide access to therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists, will receive higher scores.

The analysis will examine the level of integration between primary care and mental health services. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals to provide coordinated care, including shared treatment plans and regular communication, will be highly valued. The availability of support groups and educational programs for arthritis patients and their families will also be considered.

**Specifics in the Sligo Context:**

The Arthritis Score will extend its reach to assess primary care availability in Sligo. This involves determining the proximity of Sligo residents to primary care practices in Rimersburg and surrounding areas. The analysis will consider factors like transportation options, travel times, and the availability of practices that accept patients from Sligo.

The score will also examine the presence of any community health initiatives or programs in Sligo that support arthritis patients. This includes access to local pharmacies, support groups, and educational resources. The analysis will evaluate the level of collaboration between primary care providers in the region and community organizations.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care for arthritis patients in ZIP Code 16255 and the surrounding area of Sligo requires a multifaceted approach. The Arthritis Score framework, by considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape. This analysis highlights the importance of addressing physician shortages, promoting integrated care models, and leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes.

To further explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and patient demographics, and to visualize the findings of this Arthritis Score analysis, we encourage you to explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, helping to identify areas of need and inform healthcare planning.