16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 16740 has some form of health insurance. 55.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.34 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 16740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 236 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16740. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 344 health care providers accessible to residents in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Mount Jewett, PA (ZIP Code 16740)

Analyzing the availability and quality of arthritis care in Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16740) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements influencing the overall "Arthritis Score" for residents. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of care, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

The initial assessment focuses on the physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health must be combined with physician directories and insurance provider networks to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly rheumatologists, practicing within the specified ZIP code or its immediate vicinity. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for rheumatologists, would significantly lower the Arthritis Score. Patients with arthritis often require specialized care, and limited access to rheumatologists can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer outcomes. The geographic isolation of Mount Jewett and the surrounding areas likely exacerbates this challenge, potentially resulting in patients needing to travel significant distances for specialized care.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care provided by existing medical facilities. This assessment goes beyond simply counting doctors. It requires examining factors such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs), patient satisfaction scores, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray, MRI), and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, offer comprehensive arthritis education programs, and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care would receive higher marks. Researching online reviews, interviewing patients, and analyzing data from healthcare accreditation organizations (e.g., the Joint Commission) would provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital patient education, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and patient education, would receive higher ratings. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can alleviate the burden of travel and improve the timeliness of care. Conversely, practices that have not adopted telemedicine or have limited telehealth capabilities would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is crucial for individuals with arthritis. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can significantly impact mental well-being. Practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, would be viewed favorably. This could involve partnerships with local mental health providers, offering on-site counseling services, or providing referrals to mental health professionals. The absence of integrated mental health support would detract from the overall Arthritis Score.

Primary care availability in Mount Jewett is a foundational aspect. The Arthritis Score relies heavily on the accessibility of PCPs. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms of arthritis, providing referrals to specialists and managing overall health. The availability of PCPs, including their appointment availability, wait times, and acceptance of various insurance plans, directly impacts the score. A shortage of PCPs or significant barriers to accessing primary care would negatively affect the Arthritis Score.

Assessing the specific practices and healthcare providers in Mount Jewett requires a detailed investigation. This should include identifying the names and addresses of all PCPs and rheumatologists (if any) within the ZIP code or a reasonable radius. Researching the services offered by each practice, including diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and patient support programs, is essential. Information on insurance acceptance, patient reviews, and staff qualifications would provide a more complete picture.

The overall Arthritis Score is a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Mount Jewett. A high score would indicate a well-resourced system with good access to specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to patient-centered care. A low score would indicate challenges such as limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine options, insufficient mental health support, and potential difficulties in accessing primary care.

The analysis would also need to consider the demographics of the population in Mount Jewett. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of arthritis within the community would influence the specific needs of the population and the importance of various aspects of the healthcare system. A community with a higher percentage of older adults, for instance, would likely benefit from increased access to geriatric rheumatology services and support for managing age-related conditions.

Finally, the analysis would need to be updated regularly. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new practices opening, telemedicine technologies advancing, and treatment protocols changing. Regular updates would ensure that the Arthritis Score remains relevant and accurately reflects the current state of arthritis care in Mount Jewett. This ongoing monitoring would allow for the identification of areas needing improvement and the tracking of progress over time.

To visualize and better understand the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care in Mount Jewett and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, enabling you to identify areas with limited access to care, analyze physician density, and explore the impact of geographic factors on healthcare outcomes.