17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17862 has some form of health insurance. 27.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.66 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 17862 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17862. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Penns Creek, PA (ZIP Code 17862)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 17862 ZIP code, focusing on their capacity to serve patients with arthritis. The score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial aspects of comprehensive arthritis care. This evaluation aims to offer insights into the healthcare landscape for individuals in Penns Creek and its surrounding areas.

The core of the analysis revolves around the availability of primary care. A strong PCP network is vital for arthritis management, serving as the initial point of contact for diagnosis, treatment, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates greater accessibility and the potential for more personalized care. Researching the current ratio in 17862 reveals the number of practicing PCPs and the total population they serve. This data, combined with information from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, helps to paint a picture of the local healthcare capacity. If the ratio is unfavorable, it could indicate longer wait times for appointments and a potentially overburdened healthcare system, impacting the quality of care for arthritis patients.

Beyond raw numbers, the analysis examines the characteristics of individual practices. Are there any standout practices within the ZIP code? This involves investigating factors like patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the presence of specialized programs. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer on-site physical therapy, or have dedicated arthritis management protocols would receive higher scores. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a key consideration. EHRs facilitate better communication between physicians, specialists, and patients, leading to more coordinated and effective care. Practices with robust EHR systems often score higher in this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, which can be especially beneficial for those with mobility limitations or who live in rural areas. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education would score favorably. The accessibility of telemedicine can significantly improve the convenience and continuity of care for arthritis patients in Penns Creek.

Mental health considerations are integral to arthritis management. Chronic pain can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within or in close proximity to primary care practices is a significant factor. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive higher scores. This integration of mental health support is critical for holistic patient care and improved outcomes.

The "Arthritis Score" is not a single, definitive number but rather a composite assessment based on the factors discussed. It is a qualitative evaluation, recognizing that each practice and each patient's needs are unique. The score attempts to reflect the overall quality and accessibility of care for arthritis patients within the defined geographic area.

To further refine the analysis, it’s essential to investigate specific practices within the 17862 ZIP code. Identifying the names of local PCP offices, their websites, and patient reviews is crucial. This would involve online searches, reviewing insurance provider directories, and potentially contacting practices directly to gather information about their services and resources. The aim is to build a detailed profile of each practice, including its strengths and weaknesses in relation to arthritis care.

The analysis would also benefit from considering the availability of rheumatologists and other specialists in the surrounding areas. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of specialized care is a critical component of a comprehensive arthritis management plan. Knowing the proximity of rheumatology practices, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans would add valuable context to the overall assessment.

The challenges of accessing healthcare in rural areas are well-documented. Penns Creek, being a small community, likely faces unique challenges in terms of healthcare access. These challenges could include a limited number of providers, longer travel distances to specialists, and potential difficulties in securing timely appointments. The analysis must acknowledge these challenges and consider how local practices are addressing them.

Finally, the "Arthritis Score" analysis is not a static assessment. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging regularly. The analysis should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and to ensure that the information provided remains current and relevant. This could involve ongoing monitoring of local practices, tracking changes in physician staffing, and staying informed about new developments in arthritis care.

For a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Penns Creek and surrounding areas, consider exploring the data with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful assessment of primary care availability and its impact on arthritis patients.