17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.38 percent of the residents in 17237 has some form of health insurance. 25.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.32 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 17237 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17237. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 241 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,629 health care providers accessible to residents in 17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17237 & Primary Care Availability in Mont Alto

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality, specifically examining physicians within ZIP code 17237 and primary care resources available in Mont Alto, Pennsylvania. The focus is on evaluating factors relevant to arthritis sufferers, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components of a comprehensive arthritis care system. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. Determining the exact ratio within 17237 requires accessing up-to-date demographic data and physician listings, which can be obtained from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local hospital systems. However, a preliminary assessment suggests that this area, being a relatively rural location, might face challenges in this regard. The presence of a larger hospital system in the broader region, such as Chambersburg Hospital, could mitigate some of the access issues by providing specialized care and referral pathways.

Standout practices are those that consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Identifying these practices requires a multifaceted approach. Patient reviews, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication quality, and the overall satisfaction with the care received. Furthermore, examining the practice’s website and literature for specific expertise in rheumatology and pain management is essential. Practices with board-certified rheumatologists and a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists, would naturally score higher in an arthritis-focused assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices involves checking their websites and contacting them directly to inquire about their telehealth services. Practices that offer secure video conferencing, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient portals for accessing medical records and communicating with their healthcare providers would receive a higher score in this area.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive arthritis care. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. The Arthritis Score analysis must therefore consider the availability of mental health support within the local healthcare ecosystem. This involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the practices or through referral networks. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health issues, provide access to mental health services, or collaborate with mental health providers would receive a higher rating.

Primary care availability in Mont Alto is critical for providing foundational healthcare services. This includes preventive care, early diagnosis of arthritis symptoms, and ongoing management of the condition. Assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the area, their patient load, and the ease with which new patients can schedule appointments. The presence of urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics can also improve access to care, particularly for acute exacerbations of arthritis symptoms. Mont Alto, being a smaller community, may rely on PCPs in surrounding areas, necessitating an evaluation of regional primary care access.

The overall Arthritis Score for the area would be a composite of these factors. Practices with board-certified rheumatologists, a multidisciplinary care team, robust telemedicine capabilities, and strong mental health support would receive the highest scores. Areas with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio and readily accessible primary care services would also contribute positively to the score. Conversely, areas with limited access to specialists, inadequate telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health resources would receive lower scores.

To enhance the accuracy and depth of this analysis, further investigation is needed. This includes gathering specific data on physician counts, patient volumes, and service offerings. Direct contact with local practices to ascertain their capabilities and resources is also crucial. Finally, incorporating patient feedback through surveys or focus groups would provide invaluable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with arthritis in the region.

The current analysis provides a preliminary assessment, highlighting the key factors that contribute to an arthritis-friendly healthcare environment. It emphasizes the importance of access, quality, and comprehensive care in managing this chronic condition. The final score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of local providers to improve patient care.

To gain a visual understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and access points, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare accessibility in the 17237 ZIP code and the Mont Alto area.