17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.64 percent of the residents in 17063 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 64.62 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 17063 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17063. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17063 & Primary Care in Milroy

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within the 17063 ZIP code, evaluating their suitability for patients managing arthritis. Furthermore, it examines primary care access in the nearby town of Milroy, Pennsylvania, considering factors crucial for effective arthritis management. The ultimate goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

**17063: A Deep Dive into Primary Care Landscape**

The 17063 ZIP code encompasses the town of Lewistown, a community in central Pennsylvania. Assessing the primary care landscape necessitates an examination of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. Accurate data regarding physician counts is critical. Publicly available resources, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical board registries, should be consulted to determine the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the specified geographical area. The patient population within 17063 must also be estimated using U.S. Census Bureau data to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care.

Beyond simple numbers, the types of practices are important. Are the practices primarily solo practices, group practices, or part of larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer advantages such as shared resources, on-site specialists, and broader coverage for patient appointments. The presence of board-certified rheumatologists within the same practice or network is particularly beneficial for arthritis patients, facilitating seamless referrals and coordinated care.

**Evaluating Practice Characteristics**

The "Arthritis Score" also considers the accessibility of practices. Are appointments readily available, or are patients faced with lengthy wait times? Practices with efficient scheduling systems, extended hours, and weekend availability score higher. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial for efficient patient management. EHRs facilitate the sharing of medical information between physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medication errors.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Practices offering telemedicine options score higher in this assessment.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**

Arthritis is often accompanied by chronic pain, which can significantly impact mental health. Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is critical. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established partnerships with mental health professionals score higher. The presence of pain management specialists is also a significant positive factor.

**Milroy: Primary Care Availability and Access**

Milroy, located near Lewistown, requires a separate assessment of primary care availability. The analysis will follow a similar methodology, evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. Due to its smaller size and potential rural location, Milroy may face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. The distance to the nearest primary care practices in Lewistown and other surrounding areas will be considered.

**Transportation and Accessibility**

Transportation barriers can significantly impact access to care, particularly for patients with arthritis. The availability of public transportation, such as buses or ride-sharing services, and the proximity of practices to public transportation routes are crucial factors. Practices that offer patient transportation assistance or have readily available parking facilities score higher.

**The "Arthritis Score" Methodology**

The "Arthritis Score" is a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance in managing arthritis. For example, physician-to-patient ratio, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are weighted heavily. The score is calculated for each practice or area, providing a comparative assessment of their suitability for arthritis patients. This score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a guide to help patients make informed decisions.

**Standout Practices and Areas for Improvement**

Identifying standout practices within the 17063 ZIP code involves recognizing those that excel in multiple areas. Practices with a low physician-to-patient ratio, readily available appointments, telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, areas for improvement may include addressing physician shortages, increasing telemedicine adoption, and improving access to mental health services.

**Conclusion**

This "Arthritis Score" analysis provides a framework for evaluating the primary care landscape in 17063 and Milroy, focusing on factors crucial for arthritis management. The assessment highlights the importance of access to care, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. While this analysis provides valuable insights, it is essential to remember that individual patient needs vary.

**Call to Action**

Want to visualize the primary care landscape in 17063 and Milroy? Explore the geographical distribution of physicians, practice locations, and transportation routes with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.