17235, Marion, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 62.47 percent of the residents in 17235 has some form of health insurance. 44.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.25 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 17235 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 275 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17235. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 157 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,531 health care providers accessible to residents in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score: A Deep Dive into Healthcare Accessibility in Marion, PA (ZIP Code 17235)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility and quality of healthcare resources for individuals managing arthritis within the Marion, Pennsylvania area, specifically focusing on ZIP code 17235. The assessment considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, which are crucial for comprehensive arthritis care. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather an informed evaluation based on publicly available information and industry insights.

The foundation of any good arthritis care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists. Evaluating primary care availability in Marion is paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Data suggests that the national average PCP-to-patient ratio hovers around 1:1300. Assessing the specific ratio within Marion requires data collection and analysis, ideally comparing it to state and national benchmarks. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to primary care, a critical first step in managing arthritis.

The availability of rheumatologists is even more critical. Rheumatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Access to a rheumatologist is often a significant hurdle for patients. The physician-to-patient ratio for rheumatologists is typically lower than for PCPs, further exacerbating access challenges. In Marion, the presence and accessibility of rheumatologists are crucial. This involves examining the number of rheumatologists practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as assessing the average wait times for appointments.

Within the context of primary care, the quality of practices plays a pivotal role. Some practices stand out for their commitment to patient-centered care, incorporating elements like extended hours, same-day appointments for urgent needs, and robust patient communication systems. Practices that have implemented electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals often provide a more seamless experience, allowing patients to access their medical information, communicate with their providers, and manage appointments online. The presence of these features contributes positively to the "Arthritis Score."

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for arthritis patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or who live in rural areas. Telemedicine enables remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of disease activity. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility, improving the overall "Arthritis Score." This involves analyzing which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered through telemedicine, and the ease of use of their telemedicine platforms.

Beyond the availability of physicians, the integration of mental health resources is essential for comprehensive arthritis care. Arthritis can have a significant impact on mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This can involve on-site mental health services, referrals to external providers, or partnerships with mental health organizations. The availability and integration of mental health resources significantly impact the "Arthritis Score."

To assess the "Arthritis Score" for Marion, PA (ZIP code 17235), one must consider the specific practices within the area. Identifying standout practices requires research into their services, patient reviews, and accreditations. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive treatment options, and have a strong focus on patient communication often receive higher ratings. These practices may have dedicated arthritis programs, offer physical therapy services, or collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care.

Analyzing patient reviews provides valuable insights into the patient experience. Online review platforms, such as Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Google Reviews, can provide information on patient satisfaction, wait times, and the overall quality of care. While subjective, these reviews offer a glimpse into the patient perspective and can help identify practices that consistently deliver positive experiences.

The "Arthritis Score" also needs to consider the availability of ancillary services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management specialists. These services are often essential for managing arthritis symptoms and improving quality of life. The proximity and accessibility of these services are crucial.

In conclusion, assessing the "Arthritis Score" for Marion, PA (ZIP code 17235) involves a multi-faceted evaluation of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and access to ancillary services. It requires a thorough analysis of publicly available data, patient reviews, and practice information. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in the area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Marion, PA (ZIP code 17235), and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for healthcare planning and patient navigation.