17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.98 percent of the residents in 17023 has some form of health insurance. 30.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.80 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 17023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17023. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 505 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,135 health care providers accessible to residents in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Elizabethville, PA (ZIP Code 17023)

Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 17023 ZIP code, presents a unique healthcare landscape for individuals managing arthritis. This analysis aims to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices, including telemedicine and mental health support, all crucial for effective arthritis management. The goal is to offer a nuanced perspective, avoiding simple rankings, and instead highlighting the complexities of access to care in this rural community.

The foundation of arthritis care often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). Their availability is paramount. In Elizabethville, the assessment of primary care availability hinges on several factors. The town's relatively small population, combined with the potential for residents to seek care in neighboring communities like Tower City or Lykens, creates a complex picture. A simple count of PCPs within the 17023 ZIP code wouldn't fully capture the reality. Instead, we must consider the geographic reach of practices, the acceptance of new patients, and the wait times for appointments. Assessing these factors requires data from multiple sources, including insurance provider directories, patient reviews, and potentially, local community surveys.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical component. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires reliable population data and an accurate count of practicing physicians. This data is often collected and analyzed by healthcare organizations, but the specific numbers for Elizabethville might not be readily available. Instead, we can look at broader county-level data (e.g., Dauphin County, where Elizabethville is located) to gain insights into the general trend and then extrapolate based on the town's specific demographics.

Standout practices, if any, are vital to identify. These practices might excel in specific areas of arthritis management, such as early diagnosis, patient education, or the use of advanced therapies. Identifying these practices requires a deep dive into their services, including whether they offer specialized arthritis clinics, have registered nurses or physician assistants with expertise in rheumatology, or actively participate in clinical trials. Patient testimonials and online reviews, while subjective, can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for arthritis patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or living in rural areas. It allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. This requires examining practice websites, contacting the practices directly, and potentially, analyzing insurance coverage policies.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in arthritis care, but they are integral. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community and the ease of access to their services. It also involves determining whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists.

The "Arthritis Score" for Elizabethville, therefore, is not a single number but a multifaceted assessment. It reflects the interplay of various factors, from the availability of primary care physicians to the integration of mental health services. The score would be influenced by the following:

* **Primary Care Availability:** The number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the geographic reach of practices.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** The ratio of PCPs to the population, considering both the 17023 ZIP code and the surrounding communities.
* **Standout Practices:** The presence of practices specializing in arthritis care, offering advanced therapies, or demonstrating a commitment to patient education and support.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients.
* **Mental Health Resources:** The availability of mental health professionals, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, and the accessibility of these services for arthritis patients.

This analysis, however, is limited by the scope of readily available information. A comprehensive assessment would necessitate a more in-depth investigation, including direct contact with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and the analysis of claims data.

In conclusion, managing arthritis in Elizabethville presents both challenges and opportunities. The community's rural nature necessitates a focus on access to care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support. While the specific "Arthritis Score" would require more detailed data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Elizabethville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specialties, and access to mental health services, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool can help you visualize the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your arthritis care.