17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.27 percent of the residents in 17024 has some form of health insurance. 29.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.28 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 17024 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 498 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17024. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 374 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,471 health care providers accessible to residents in 17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in 17024 & Primary Care in Elliottsburg

Evaluating the availability and quality of healthcare, specifically concerning arthritis management, within a defined geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors practicing in the 17024 ZIP code and the primary care landscape in Elliottsburg, PA, aiming to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment. This score considers factors beyond simple physician counts, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis care.

The 17024 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Elliottsburg and surrounding areas, presents a unique healthcare challenge. Rural communities often face disparities in access to specialized medical care. Therefore, the "Arthritis Score" here is heavily influenced by the availability of rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons specializing in joint replacement or arthroscopic procedures, and physical therapists. The presence of these specialists is a strong indicator of the ability of local healthcare providers to address the complex needs of arthritis patients. A high score reflects a robust network of specialists, while a low score suggests a reliance on referrals to distant facilities, potentially creating barriers to timely and effective care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A high ratio of patients per primary care physician (PCP) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, shorter consultation durations, and less opportunity for proactive arthritis management. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows PCPs to dedicate more time to each patient, facilitating early diagnosis, treatment plan development, and patient education. The "Arthritis Score" must consider this, weighting areas with favorable ratios higher. This assessment must also include the availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a vital role in managing chronic conditions like arthritis, increasing the overall accessibility of care.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes practices that offer on-site diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and infusion services. Such integration streamlines the patient journey, reducing the need for multiple appointments at different locations. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to arthritis treatments and management are given a higher score. These practices demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, offering patients access to the latest therapies and treatment approaches.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the "Arthritis Score." The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient education programs can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, allowing for virtual follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote physical therapy sessions, receive a higher score. This reflects a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery, prioritizing patient convenience and improved outcomes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis management, but they are essential. Chronic pain and functional limitations associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are given a higher score. This reflects a holistic approach to patient care, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and pain management classes also contributes to a higher score, providing patients with resources to cope with the challenges of living with arthritis.

Primary care availability in Elliottsburg directly influences the "Arthritis Score." The presence of a strong primary care network is crucial for early detection and effective management of arthritis. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing joint pain and other symptoms. They play a vital role in initial diagnosis, referral to specialists, and ongoing care coordination. The "Arthritis Score" is negatively impacted by a lack of primary care providers, forcing patients to seek care outside of their community, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

To accurately assess the "Arthritis Score" in 17024 and Elliottsburg, a thorough investigation is required. This involves collecting data on the number of physicians, specialists, and support staff; analyzing physician-to-patient ratios; evaluating the services offered by local practices; assessing telemedicine adoption rates; and examining the availability of mental health resources. This data, when combined with patient feedback and outcomes data, provides a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape.

The final "Arthritis Score" is not just a numerical value; it is a reflection of the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of care available to arthritis patients in the region. A high score indicates a well-resourced healthcare system, while a low score highlights areas for improvement. Addressing the identified shortcomings, such as increasing the number of specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services, can significantly improve the lives of those living with arthritis in Elliottsburg and the surrounding areas.

This type of detailed analysis requires sophisticated mapping and data visualization tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17024 and Elliottsburg, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas of need, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping capabilities that can help you analyze physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers.