17925, Brockton, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17925, Brockton, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.06 percent of the residents in 17925 has some form of health insurance. 36.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.44 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 17925 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 87 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17925. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 52 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,832 health care providers accessible to residents in 17925, Brockton, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the quality of arthritis care and primary care access within Brockton, Pennsylvania, specifically targeting ZIP Code 17925. This evaluation considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Arthritis Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in this area.

Brockton, Pennsylvania, a small community, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The area's demographics, including age and prevalence of chronic conditions, likely influence the demand for arthritis and primary care services. Understanding the local context is crucial for a meaningful evaluation.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. Determining the exact ratio within ZIP Code 17925 requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists practicing in the area, along with the estimated population. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association (AMA) can be leveraged to obtain these figures.

The presence of standout practices significantly impacts the quality of care. Evaluating practices involves assessing their infrastructure, staffing, and patient outcomes. A practice with modern facilities, experienced physicians, and a commitment to patient-centered care would receive a higher score. This evaluation should consider factors such as the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., X-ray machines, bone density scanners), the presence of specialized staff (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses), and the practice's overall patient satisfaction scores. Online reviews and patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural or underserved areas. Practices that offer telehealth services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time for patients, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and physicians. The availability of telehealth services is particularly beneficial for patients with arthritis, as it allows for convenient follow-up appointments and remote monitoring of their condition.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial factor. Arthritis is often associated with mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are likely to provide more comprehensive care. This integration can improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients with arthritis and their families also contributes to a higher score.

Primary care availability in Brockton is assessed by considering the number of PCPs, their acceptance of new patients, and the average wait times for appointments. A sufficient number of PCPs, readily accepting new patients, and offering timely appointments are indicative of good primary care access. This analysis also considers the availability of after-hours care, such as urgent care clinics or on-call physicians, to ensure patients can receive care when needed.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 17925 are assessed based on the criteria mentioned above. The evaluation focuses on identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offer comprehensive services, and embrace innovative technologies. Practices with a high Arthritis Score are those that excel in all these areas.

The "Arthritis Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality of arthritis care and primary care access in the area. It is based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor contributing to the overall score. The weighting of each factor can be adjusted based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios may be weighted more heavily than the availability of online patient portals.

The analysis also considers the geographic distribution of healthcare resources within the ZIP Code. This involves mapping the locations of practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities to identify any disparities in access to care. Areas with limited access to care may require targeted interventions to improve healthcare outcomes.

Data sources for this analysis include public health records, physician directories, online reviews, and practice websites. The accuracy of the analysis depends on the availability and reliability of the data. It is important to verify the information from multiple sources and to update the analysis regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The final "Arthritis Score" provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and to develop strategies to improve healthcare access and quality.

This analysis highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, the integration of technology, and the provision of mental health services. The findings can inform efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and to create a healthier community in Brockton.

The "Arthritis Score" is not just a number; it is a reflection of the healthcare ecosystem's responsiveness to the needs of patients with arthritis and the broader community. It is a dynamic measure that can be used to track progress and to identify areas for improvement over time. The ultimate goal is to create a healthcare system that provides high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered care for all residents of Brockton.

To further visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in Brockton, Pennsylvania, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the factors influencing the "Arthritis Score."