Health Scores Near 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 85.54 percent of the residents in 17059 has some form of health insurance. 35.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.77 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 17059 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,722 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17059. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,482 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,376 health care providers accessible to residents in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
| Arthritis Score | 29 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 33 |
| Provider Score | 37 |
| Hospital Score | 52 |
| Travel Score | 40 |
| 17059 | Mifflintown | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17059 & Primary Care in Mifflintown
This analysis provides an ‘Arthritis Score’ assessment for medical resources within ZIP code 17059 (Mifflintown, PA) and specifically focuses on the availability and quality of primary care, crucial for managing arthritis. The score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all factors significantly impacting the holistic care of arthritis patients.
Mifflintown, a rural community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The ‘Arthritis Score’ is not a numerical value but a qualitative evaluation, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local medical landscape.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**
The physician-to-patient ratio in 17059 is a critical starting point. Rural areas often struggle with physician shortages, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and limited access to specialized care. Researching the current ratio, comparing it to state and national averages, is the initial step. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the ‘Arthritis Score.’
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to healthcare for arthritis patients. They manage initial diagnoses, symptom management, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists, if available. The concentration of PCPs in Mifflintown and their capacity to accept new patients directly affects the score. A robust primary care network, with readily accessible appointments, would significantly boost the score. Conversely, limited PCP availability would be a major red flag.
**Practice Specializations and Standout Practices:**
Beyond the raw number of physicians, the specialties available within 17059 are vital. While a rheumatologist is the ideal specialist for arthritis, their presence in a rural area is often unlikely. Therefore, the ‘Arthritis Score’ considers the availability of PCPs with experience in musculoskeletal conditions. Do any practices in the area have a particular focus on arthritis management? Do they offer in-house physical therapy or other supportive services?
Identifying standout practices is essential. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, actively engage in preventative care, and offer comprehensive services would receive higher marks. This could involve practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) for better care coordination, offering extended hours, or having bilingual staff to serve a diverse patient population. Researching patient reviews and testimonials can also highlight practices with a strong reputation for quality arthritis care.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, especially in rural areas. The ‘Arthritis Score’ heavily weighs the adoption of telemedicine by local practices. Do PCPs offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, or initial consultations? The ability to connect with a physician remotely can significantly reduce travel burdens and improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations often associated with arthritis.
The availability of telehealth services with specialists, even if not physically located in Mifflintown, is another critical factor. Can patients connect with rheumatologists or other specialists through video consultations? The more robust the telemedicine infrastructure, the higher the score.
**Mental Health Resources:**
Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Pain, limitations in mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. The ‘Arthritis Score’ assesses the integration of mental health resources within the local healthcare system.
Do PCPs screen for mental health issues during appointments? Are there readily available mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, in the area or accessible through referrals? Does the healthcare system offer integrated behavioral health services? Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these resources would receive higher marks, demonstrating a commitment to holistic patient care.
**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**
The ‘Arthritis Score’ for 17059, based on the factors discussed, would likely reflect the challenges of rural healthcare access. The score would be negatively impacted by potential physician shortages, the absence of a dedicated rheumatologist, and limited access to specialized services. However, the score could be improved by identifying practices with a focus on musculoskeletal care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.
The overall success of managing arthritis in Mifflintown hinges on the strength of the primary care network, the availability of supportive services, and the ability of patients to access timely and comprehensive care. The community would benefit from initiatives to attract and retain physicians, expand telemedicine capabilities, and promote a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
To further explore the healthcare landscape of 17059 and visualize the distribution of medical resources, we encourage you to use CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you analyze physician locations, practice specialties, and other relevant data points. This visual representation can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and identify areas for improvement.
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