17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17742 has some form of health insurance. 79.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.31 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 17742 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17742. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 15 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,372 health care providers accessible to residents in 17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17742 and Primary Care Availability in Lairdsville**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 17742, encompassing the area surrounding Lairdsville, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, with a specific focus on resources relevant to arthritis management. The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment based on several key factors.

The first crucial factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential access limitations. Lairdsville, being a relatively rural community, might face challenges in this regard. Researching the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 17742 ZIP code, and comparing this number to the total population, provides a baseline. This ratio, however, doesn't tell the whole story. It's essential to consider the age distribution of the population. Older populations often require more frequent medical attention, especially concerning chronic conditions like arthritis. Therefore, a higher percentage of senior citizens within the area would further strain the available resources.

Standout practices are crucial for improving the Arthritis Score. Identifying primary care practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to arthritis care is paramount. This involves looking for practices that: employ physicians with specialized training in rheumatology or musculoskeletal medicine, offer comprehensive diagnostic services (including X-rays and potentially ultrasound), and implement patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in arthritis research or clinical trials would also significantly enhance the score. Furthermore, the presence of certified medical assistants or nurses trained in arthritis management would indicate a higher level of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online access to medical records score higher. This is particularly beneficial for arthritis patients who may experience mobility limitations or face challenges traveling to appointments. Telemedicine also facilitates remote monitoring of medication effectiveness and allows for prompt intervention when necessary. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the 17742 ZIP code will be a key component of the analysis.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to arthritis management. Chronic pain and physical limitations associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community directly impacts the Arthritis Score. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, receive higher marks. Access to support groups and educational programs focused on coping with chronic pain also contributes positively.

Specific practice examples are important for this analysis. For instance, if a practice like "Lairdsville Family Medicine" is found to employ a physician with a strong background in rheumatology, offers on-site X-ray services, and actively promotes patient education about arthritis, it would significantly boost the overall score. Conversely, if a practice lacks these resources, it would negatively impact the assessment. The analysis must consider the presence and quality of these resources.

The availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services is also vital. These therapies play a crucial role in managing arthritis symptoms, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. The presence of these services within the 17742 ZIP code, and their accessibility to primary care patients, is a key factor. Practices that have established referral pathways to these services, or even offer them on-site, would receive a higher rating.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized medications. Access to newer treatments, such as biologics, can significantly improve outcomes for some arthritis patients. The ability of local pharmacies to stock and dispense these medications, and the willingness of PCPs to prescribe them, are important factors.

Finally, the analysis must consider patient satisfaction. Gathering information about patient experiences, through online reviews, patient surveys, and other sources, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Practices with consistently positive patient feedback would score higher than those with negative reviews.

In conclusion, assessing the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP code 17742 and primary care availability in Lairdsville requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices with specialized expertise and comprehensive services, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and access to physical and occupational therapy. This analysis must also consider patient satisfaction and the availability of specialized medications. By carefully evaluating these factors, a clearer picture of the healthcare landscape can be developed, providing valuable insights for patients seeking arthritis care.

For a more detailed, visually informative map of healthcare resources in the 17742 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice details, and service availability, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a clear and dynamic representation of the healthcare landscape, assisting patients in making informed decisions about their care.