17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.80 percent of the residents in 17921 has some form of health insurance. 32.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.29 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 17921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17921. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,779 health care providers accessible to residents in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of primary care physicians and the availability of healthcare resources for individuals with arthritis in Ashland, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17921). The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" based on various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. This assessment will help residents understand the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about their care.

Ashland, a small borough in Schuylkill County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The population is aging, and chronic conditions like arthritis are prevalent. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care physicians are critical.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Ashland requires analyzing the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 17921 ZIP code and comparing it to the local population. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau can be used to calculate this ratio. A low ratio would negatively impact the "Arthritis Score."

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the community is essential. Are the doctors clustered in one area, or are they spread out to serve the entire population? The location of practices relative to transportation options also plays a role. Patients with arthritis may have mobility limitations, making it difficult to travel long distances for appointments.

**Standout Practices: A Qualitative Assessment**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating specific characteristics that contribute to high-quality care for arthritis patients. This assessment goes beyond just the number of doctors. Factors to consider include:

* **Experience and Specialization:** Does the practice have physicians with specific training or expertise in rheumatology or musculoskeletal disorders?
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Are patients generally satisfied with the care they receive? Online reviews and patient testimonials can provide valuable insights.
* **Comprehensive Services:** Does the practice offer a range of services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and diagnostic imaging, all under one roof? Integrated services can improve convenience and coordination of care.
* **Accessibility:** Does the practice accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments?
* **Care Coordination:** Does the practice have systems in place to coordinate care with specialists, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers?

Identifying practices that excel in these areas would positively impact the "Arthritis Score."

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. For arthritis patients, telemedicine can offer several benefits, including:

* **Reduced Travel:** Telemedicine eliminates the need for patients to travel to appointments, saving time and reducing the physical strain associated with arthritis.
* **Improved Access:** Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of patients' conditions, allowing physicians to track symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed.

The "Arthritis Score" would be positively influenced by the extent to which primary care practices in Ashland have adopted telemedicine. This includes the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**

Arthritis is not only a physical condition; it can also have a significant impact on mental health. Chronic pain, disability, and the limitations imposed by arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive arthritis care.

The "Arthritis Score" should consider the following:

* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Does the primary care practice offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or psychiatrists?
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established referral networks with mental health professionals in the community?
* **Awareness and Screening:** Does the practice screen patients for mental health conditions and provide support for those who need it?

The presence of robust mental health resources would significantly enhance the "Arthritis Score."

**Specific Examples and Data Gathering**

To provide a more concrete "Arthritis Score," specific data would need to be gathered. This could involve:

* **Contacting local primary care practices:** Inquiring about their services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.
* **Reviewing online patient reviews:** Analyzing patient feedback to assess satisfaction levels.
* **Consulting with local healthcare organizations:** Seeking information on physician-to-patient ratios and community resources.
* **Utilizing public databases:** Accessing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau.

This data would then be used to create a scoring system, assigning points based on the factors discussed above. The final "Arthritis Score" would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in Ashland.

**Conclusion**

Assessing the healthcare resources available to arthritis patients in Ashland, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. The "Arthritis Score" must consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. By evaluating these factors, residents can gain a better understanding of the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about their care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashland and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points.