17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17884 has some form of health insurance. 55.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.74 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 17884 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17884. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,654 health care providers accessible to residents in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of arthritis care within Washingtonville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17884), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related resources. We will evaluate the landscape through an "Arthritis Score," a hypothetical metric considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support. This score is not a real, standardized metric but a construct to guide our analysis.

Washingtonville, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area can impact the availability of specialists and the overall density of healthcare providers. Our analysis will consider these factors.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of arthritis care often begins with a PCP. They are crucial for initial diagnosis, management of comorbidities, and referrals to specialists. Assessing PCP availability is therefore paramount. In Washingtonville, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a critical factor. A low ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to timely care. Data from public health sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, would be essential to establish an accurate ratio. A higher ratio would positively influence the "Arthritis Score," reflecting greater accessibility.

Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and surrounding areas is important. Are practices clustered in specific locations, potentially creating geographic disparities in access? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers that serve the community? The presence of these resources would contribute favorably to the "Arthritis Score," indicating a commitment to serving a broader patient population.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**

The presence of practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care significantly impacts the "Arthritis Score." This goes beyond just having PCPs. Are there rheumatologists practicing within a reasonable distance of Washingtonville? Rheumatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Their proximity and availability are crucial for patients requiring specialized care.

Identifying practices that actively manage arthritis patients is essential. This includes assessing whether these practices have:

* **Dedicated Arthritis Programs:** Do they offer specialized programs for arthritis management, including patient education, physical therapy, and support groups?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Do they collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care?
* **Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities:** Do they have access to advanced imaging and laboratory testing necessary for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis?

Practices demonstrating these qualities would receive a higher "Arthritis Score" rating.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption by practices in Washingtonville is a critical consideration. Telemedicine can improve access to care in several ways:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can consult with their PCPs or specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially for follow-up appointments.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine platforms can facilitate remote monitoring of patient symptoms and medication adherence.
* **Specialist Access:** Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists who may not be physically located in Washingtonville.

The extent of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered and the technology used, will significantly influence the "Arthritis Score." Practices embracing telemedicine, particularly for arthritis-related care, would receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Pain, disability, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The integration of mental health resources into arthritis care is therefore crucial.

The "Arthritis Score" will assess the availability of mental health support within the healthcare ecosystem of Washingtonville. This includes:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists practicing in the area?
* **Integration with Primary Care:** Do PCPs and rheumatologists screen patients for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health providers?
* **Support Groups:** Are there support groups for arthritis patients that address both physical and emotional well-being?

Practices that actively integrate mental health services into their arthritis care would contribute positively to the "Arthritis Score."

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

The "Arthritis Score" for Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884) would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a community with good access to primary care, specialized arthritis care, telemedicine options, and integrated mental health resources. A low score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding access to specialists, and promoting telemedicine adoption.

The analysis highlights the complexities of healthcare access in a rural setting. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.

**Visualize the Data with CartoChrome Maps:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Washingtonville and surrounding areas, we encourage you to visualize the data. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful way to analyze physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive view of healthcare access in your community.