Health Scores Near 17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.54 percent of the residents in 17702 has some form of health insurance. 37.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.88 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 17702 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17702. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,098 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,270 health care providers accessible to residents in 17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
| Arthritis Score | 54 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 27 |
| Provider Score | 75 |
| Hospital Score | 31 |
| Travel Score | 65 |
| 17702 | Williamsport | 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: Williamsport, PA (ZIP Code 17702)
This analysis provides an “Arthritis Score” assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 17702, focusing on factors relevant to arthritis patients. This includes physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis management. The goal is to offer insights into the quality of care available to individuals living with arthritis in Williamsport.
The foundation of this analysis rests on the understanding that effective arthritis care extends beyond simply prescribing medication. It encompasses readily accessible appointments, clear communication, a patient-centered approach, and the integration of support services. The “Arthritis Score” is a qualitative assessment, considering various factors to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Accessibility:**
The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Williamsport, like many rural areas, may face challenges regarding PCP availability. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it difficult for arthritis patients to receive timely diagnosis, treatment adjustments, and ongoing care. Researching the current ratio within 17702 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, coupled with information from local hospitals and healthcare systems, can help determine this ratio.
Beyond the raw number of physicians, accessibility is paramount. This includes factors like appointment scheduling processes (online booking, same-day appointments), office hours (including evening and weekend availability), and the physical location of practices. Practices located closer to public transportation or offering adequate parking are more accessible to patients with mobility limitations, common among arthritis sufferers. A practice that prioritizes patient access scores higher on the “Arthritis Score.”
**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics:**
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key characteristics. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, offer educational resources for patients, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education score favorably. Does the practice have a dedicated rheumatologist or a collaborative relationship with one? This is vital for specialized arthritis care.
Furthermore, the practice’s philosophy toward patient care is critical. Does the practice emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, involving physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists? Does the practice prioritize shared decision-making, empowering patients to actively participate in their treatment plans? These elements contribute significantly to a positive patient experience and improved outcomes.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer significant advantages. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. This reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.
The “Arthritis Score” considers the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video conferencing, remote monitoring, secure messaging), the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, and the practice’s overall integration of telemedicine into its care delivery model. Practices that effectively utilize telemedicine to enhance patient access and convenience receive a higher score.
**Mental Health Resources:**
Arthritis can significantly impact mental health. Chronic pain, limitations in physical activity, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive arthritis care.
The “Arthritis Score” evaluates the availability of mental health services within the practice or through referrals. Does the practice have a dedicated mental health professional on staff, or does it have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Does the practice screen patients for mental health concerns? The integration of mental health support is a crucial factor in overall patient well-being and is given significant weight in the scoring.
**Specific Considerations for Williamsport:**
Williamsport's location in a more rural setting presents unique challenges and opportunities. The analysis should consider the availability of specialists within the immediate area and nearby cities. Are there rheumatologists easily accessible? If not, how does the practice manage referrals and coordinate care with specialists located further away?
The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the practices. Are there specific programs or services tailored to the needs of older adults, a demographic often disproportionately affected by arthritis? Does the practice offer language support services for non-English speakers? These considerations reflect the practice's commitment to providing culturally competent and patient-centered care.
**Conclusion:**
The “Arthritis Score” is a holistic assessment, weighing the availability of physicians, accessibility of care, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of arthritis care within ZIP code 17702. The goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to highlight practices that are excelling in the provision of comprehensive arthritis care.
**Call to Action:**
To visualize and understand the geographic distribution of these healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to pinpoint the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, and other relevant resources within the Williamsport area. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your arthritis care.
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