17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 17044 has some form of health insurance. 44.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.16 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 17044 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,476 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17044. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,943 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,002 health care providers accessible to residents in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Lewistown, PA (ZIP Code 17044)

Analyzing the availability and quality of arthritis care in Lewistown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17044) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, termed an “Arthritis Score,” considers factors beyond simply the number of physicians. It delves into physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis management. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals living with this debilitating condition.

Lewistown, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The geographical isolation can impact access to specialists and advanced treatments. However, the close-knit nature of the community can also foster strong patient-physician relationships, a vital component in managing a chronic illness like arthritis.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of the Arthritis Score is the physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing joint pain and can play a critical role in early diagnosis and management. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions. Researching the specific ratio within ZIP code 17044 and the surrounding areas is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights. However, this data often provides a broader regional picture, and further investigation is needed to determine the exact ratio within Lewistown itself.

The availability of primary care directly impacts the Arthritis Score. Are there enough PCPs to adequately serve the population? Are appointments readily available, or are patients facing extended wait times? A high availability of PCPs, coupled with reasonable wait times, would positively influence the score. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs would negatively impact the score, potentially forcing patients to seek care outside of their immediate community.

**Specialized Practices and Standout Performers:**

Beyond primary care, the presence of rheumatologists is crucial. Rheumatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The Arthritis Score considers the number of rheumatologists practicing within a reasonable distance of Lewistown. The geographical accessibility of these specialists significantly impacts the score. The absence of rheumatologists within a reasonable radius would severely limit the score, necessitating travel for specialized care.

Identifying standout practices is also essential. This involves researching practices with a demonstrated commitment to arthritis care. This might include practices that offer:

* **Comprehensive Services:** Practices that offer a range of services, including diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs), physical therapy, and medication management, receive a higher score.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Practices that actively educate patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies are highly valued.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Practices that collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain management specialists, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. The Arthritis Score assesses the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Are rheumatologists and PCPs offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments and medication management?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Are providers utilizing remote monitoring technologies to track patient symptoms and progress?
* **Patient Portals:** Do practices offer patient portals that allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their providers, and schedule appointments online?

The greater the adoption of telemedicine, the higher the score. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve convenience, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of mental health resources for arthritis patients. This includes:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are there mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) available in the area?
* **Integration of Care:** Do healthcare providers integrate mental health screening and support into their arthritis care?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for individuals with arthritis, providing a platform for peer support and shared experiences?

The integration of mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive arthritis management. Addressing the psychological impact of the condition can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

**Overall Assessment:**

The final Arthritis Score for Lewistown (ZIP code 17044) would be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance. The overall score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for arthritis patients. A high score would indicate excellent access to care, specialized expertise, and a holistic approach to patient management. A low score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as a shortage of specialists, limited telemedicine adoption, or a lack of mental health resources.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape for arthritis in Lewistown, PA, and to gain a more granular understanding of the factors influencing the Arthritis Score, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive and data-driven assessment. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps to uncover the hidden insights within the healthcare data of Lewistown, PA.