17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.07 percent of the residents in 17017 has some form of health insurance. 37.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.91 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 17017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 285 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17017. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 420 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 925 health care providers accessible to residents in 17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17017 and Primary Care Availability in Dalmatia

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources, specifically concerning arthritis care, within ZIP code 17017 (Camp Hill, Pennsylvania) and primary care access in Dalmatia, Pennsylvania. The evaluation uses an "Arthritis Score" framework, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health services. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

**ZIP Code 17017: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania**

Camp Hill, a suburban community, presents a generally favorable environment for accessing healthcare, including arthritis care. The presence of UPMC Pinnacle facilities and proximity to Harrisburg, a larger metropolitan area, contribute to a relatively robust healthcare infrastructure. Analyzing the Arthritis Score for this ZIP code requires a deeper dive into specific metrics.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, 17017 likely benefits from a higher concentration of physicians compared to more rural areas. This advantage translates to shorter wait times for appointments and greater choice among specialists. However, the overall ratio doesn't tell the whole story. The availability of rheumatologists, specifically, is crucial. The Arthritis Score will consider the number of board-certified rheumatologists practicing within a reasonable radius, factoring in travel time and accessibility.

Standout practices within 17017 will be evaluated based on several criteria. The Arthritis Score will prioritize practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes offering a range of diagnostic tools (e.g., X-rays, MRIs), treatment options (e.g., medication management, physical therapy, injections), and patient education programs. Practices with strong patient satisfaction ratings and positive online reviews will receive higher scores. Furthermore, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including rheumatologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, will be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, especially for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The Arthritis Score will assess the extent to which practices in 17017 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and secure online portals will be viewed favorably. This is particularly important for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited transportation options.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis care, yet they are essential. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within or affiliated with the practices in 17017. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer integrated care will be recognized.

**Primary Care Availability in Dalmatia, Pennsylvania**

Dalmatia, a more rural area, presents a different set of challenges concerning healthcare access. The Arthritis Score framework must be adapted to reflect the unique circumstances of a smaller community. Primary care availability is the cornerstone of the healthcare system in Dalmatia, serving as the initial point of contact for most patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Dalmatia is likely lower than in Camp Hill. This means that access to primary care physicians may be more limited, potentially leading to longer wait times and fewer choices. The Arthritis Score will consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita in the Dalmatia area. It will also assess the availability of urgent care clinics or walk-in centers, which can provide immediate care for acute conditions.

Standout practices in Dalmatia will be evaluated based on their ability to provide comprehensive primary care services. This includes offering a range of services, such as routine checkups, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. Practices that prioritize patient education and preventative care will receive higher scores. The Arthritis Score will also consider the practice's commitment to serving the community, including its willingness to accept new patients and its participation in community outreach programs.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly important in rural areas like Dalmatia. Telemedicine can bridge the gap in access to specialists and other healthcare services. The Arthritis Score will assess the extent to which primary care practices in Dalmatia utilize telemedicine for consultations, referrals, and remote monitoring. Practices that embrace telehealth technologies can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for travel to distant healthcare facilities.

Mental health resources are equally crucial in Dalmatia, where access to mental health services may be even more limited than in urban areas. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within or affiliated with primary care practices in Dalmatia. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer integrated care will be highly valued. The score will also consider the availability of mobile mental health services or telehealth options that can reach patients in remote areas.

**Conclusion**

The "Arthritis Score" analysis reveals that healthcare access and quality vary significantly between Camp Hill (17017) and Dalmatia. While Camp Hill benefits from a more developed healthcare infrastructure, Dalmatia faces challenges related to physician availability and geographic limitations. However, both communities can benefit from increased telemedicine adoption and a greater emphasis on integrating mental health services into arthritis care.

For a comprehensive visual representation of these healthcare landscapes, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand and improve healthcare access in Pennsylvania.