16639, Fallentimber, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16639, Fallentimber, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.53 percent of the residents in 16639 has some form of health insurance. 42.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.73 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 16639 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 261 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16639. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 315 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,357 health care providers accessible to residents in 16639, Fallentimber, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16639 and Primary Care Availability in Fallentimber

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 16639, encompassing the Fallentimber area, requires a multifaceted approach. An “Arthritis Score,” while not a formally recognized metric, will be constructed to gauge the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing arthritis. This analysis will focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized arthritis care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive arthritis management.

The foundation of good arthritis care lies in accessible primary care. In Fallentimber, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. Determining the exact population within 16639 is the first step. A simple calculation would involve using Census data and cross-referencing it with local population estimates. This information, combined with the number of actively practicing PCPs, will reveal the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, signals potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. The score would be negatively impacted by a high ratio.

Specialized arthritis care, such as rheumatology, is a critical component of effective management. The analysis must determine the availability of rheumatologists within the ZIP code or within a reasonable commuting distance. The presence of rheumatologists, ideally with experience in various arthritis types (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, etc.), significantly boosts the Arthritis Score. The absence of rheumatology specialists necessitates travel, which can be a barrier to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations. The score would be significantly reduced if specialized care is unavailable locally.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis. Assessing the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists offer telemedicine appointments is crucial. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, would contribute positively to the Arthritis Score. The availability of telemedicine, especially for established patients, would enhance the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in 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 other mental health challenges. The analysis needs to identify whether local practices integrate mental health services, either directly within the practice or through referrals to mental health professionals. Practices that offer integrated mental health support, such as on-site therapists or strong referral networks, would receive a higher score. This is a critical factor for holistic care.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in arthritis care, would also be identified. This involves researching practices known for their patient-centered approach, their use of evidence-based treatments, and their commitment to patient education. These practices may have specialized programs for arthritis management, offer support groups, or actively participate in research. Identifying such practices, even if few, would positively influence the Arthritis Score. This could involve patient reviews, online information, and community knowledge.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 16639, based on the initial assessment, could reveal a potential shortage of primary care physicians. This shortage, coupled with a possible lack of rheumatology specialists, would negatively impact the overall Arthritis Score. The score would be further affected if telemedicine adoption is limited, and if mental health resources are not readily available.

The assessment of primary care availability in Fallentimber must also consider the operational hours of the practices. Are appointments easily scheduled? Are there options for after-hours care or urgent care? Extended hours, walk-in options, and responsive appointment scheduling systems would improve the Arthritis Score. The availability of these services would be a significant factor.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the insurance coverage accepted by local practices. Do they accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? Limited insurance acceptance could restrict access to care for some residents, negatively impacting the Arthritis Score. Accessibility is a key factor.

Another factor to consider is the availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services. These therapies are often integral to managing arthritis symptoms and improving mobility. The presence of these services, either within primary care practices or through easily accessible referrals, would enhance the Arthritis Score. The proximity and availability of these services are important.

The analysis would also investigate patient education resources. Do local practices provide patients with information about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies? Patient education is a crucial component of successful arthritis management. Practices that offer educational materials, support groups, or access to reputable online resources would be rated more favorably. Patient empowerment is key.

Finally, the overall Arthritis Score would be a composite of these factors, reflecting the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of arthritis care available in ZIP code 16639 and the Fallentimber area. It would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. The score is a reflection of the overall quality of care.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Fallentimber and the surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually depict the data points discussed above, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility.