16322, Endeavor, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16322, Endeavor, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 54.90 percent of the residents in 16322 has some form of health insurance. 31.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.53 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 16322 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16322. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 16 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 443 health care providers accessible to residents in 16322, Endeavor, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16322 and Primary Care Availability in Endeavor

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services, focusing on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, within the context of ZIP code 16322 and the town of Endeavor, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements for effective arthritis management.

The geographic area under consideration, ZIP code 16322, encompasses a rural region. Endeavor, within this ZIP code, is a small community. This context fundamentally shapes the healthcare landscape. Access to specialists, including rheumatologists, is likely limited, placing a greater burden on primary care physicians (PCPs) to manage arthritis symptoms and provide initial treatment. The Arthritis Score, therefore, will heavily weigh the accessibility and quality of primary care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. National averages can be misleading in rural settings. The number of PCPs per 1,000 residents in ZIP code 16322 is likely lower than the national average. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential challenges in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship – all detrimental to effective arthritis care. The Arthritis Score will penalize areas with unfavorable physician-to-patient ratios. Data sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards will be consulted to estimate these ratios.

The characteristics of individual primary care practices significantly impact the Arthritis Score. Practices that offer comprehensive services are favored. This includes on-site diagnostic capabilities (e.g., X-ray), access to physical therapy and occupational therapy, and a well-coordinated referral system to specialists when needed. Practices with electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing are also highly valued. These features improve the efficiency of care and enhance communication between the PCP and any specialists involved in the patient's treatment plan. Practices with demonstrated experience in managing chronic conditions, specifically arthritis, will receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine enables patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be especially challenging for individuals with mobility limitations due to arthritis. Practices that offer telehealth appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and even initial consultations will receive a higher Arthritis Score. The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as those that track activity levels or pain scores, further enhances the telemedicine component. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability and user-friendliness of telemedicine options.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of arthritis management. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can significantly impact mental well-being. The Arthritis Score will consider the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and proactively address these needs will be highly rated. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is essential for holistic arthritis management.

Standout practices within ZIP code 16322 will be identified based on the criteria outlined above. These practices will serve as examples of best practices in providing arthritis care. This assessment will involve reviewing publicly available information, patient reviews (while acknowledging the limitations of such data), and potentially contacting practices directly to gather more detailed information about their services. The Arthritis Score will highlight these standout practices and their specific strengths.

The analysis will also consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in Endeavor. This includes the presence of local pharmacies that can easily fill prescriptions, the availability of durable medical equipment suppliers, and the accessibility of transportation options for patients who may not be able to drive themselves. These factors contribute to the overall ease of accessing care and managing arthritis symptoms. The Arthritis Score will reflect the availability of these essential support services.

The methodology for calculating the Arthritis Score will involve assigning points to each criterion (physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and support services). The weighting of each criterion will reflect its relative importance in providing effective arthritis care. The final score will be a composite value, providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 16322 and Endeavor.

This analysis is intended to be a starting point for individuals seeking information about arthritis care in this specific geographic area. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals should always consult with their physicians to discuss their specific health needs and treatment options.

The information presented here is based on publicly available data and may be subject to change. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and practices may evolve their services over time. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the information with the practices directly before making any healthcare decisions.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 16322 and Endeavor, including the locations of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the area, allowing you to easily visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your care.