17938, Hegins, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17938, Hegins, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.04 percent of the residents in 17938 has some form of health insurance. 27.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.01 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 17938 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 462 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17938. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 382 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,276 health care providers accessible to residents in 17938, Hegins, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17938 and Primary Care Availability in Hegins

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 17938, specifically considering the town of Hegins, Pennsylvania. The score is not a formal, standardized metric but rather a composite evaluation based on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, including physician access, practice characteristics, and support services. The goal is to offer a practical overview for residents and those considering relocating to the area.

The foundation of a good Arthritis Score begins with accessible primary care. In Hegins, the availability of PCPs is a critical starting point. We assess this through physician-to-patient ratios. This involves examining the number of practicing PCPs within the 17938 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) suggests better access. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be crucial for this calculation. The analysis will also consider the age demographics of the population, as arthritis prevalence increases with age. A higher proportion of older adults within the ZIP code necessitates a higher concentration of accessible PCPs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of practices present significantly impact the Arthritis Score. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices? Group practices often offer advantages like extended hours, shared on-call coverage, and access to a broader range of specialists. The presence of internal medicine, family medicine, and geriatric medicine specialists is also essential. These specialties often have the most experience managing the complex needs of patients with arthritis. The analysis will look for practices offering comprehensive care, including on-site diagnostic services like X-rays, which can streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience.

Standout practices within the 17938 ZIP code will receive higher marks. This evaluation considers several factors. First, the practice's reputation within the community is essential. Reviews from patients, available through platforms like Healthgrades or Google Reviews, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication styles, and the overall quality of care. Second, the practice's commitment to continuing medical education (CME) is assessed. PCPs who regularly update their knowledge on the latest arthritis treatments and management strategies are more likely to provide optimal care. Third, the analysis will examine the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, reduce medication errors, and allow patients to access their medical information more easily.

Telemedicine adoption significantly influences the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers several benefits for arthritis patients. It reduces the need for travel, which can be difficult for individuals with mobility limitations. It also allows for more frequent check-ins and easier communication with their physicians. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., for blood pressure or activity levels), and secure patient portals will receive higher scores. The analysis will investigate the availability of these services within the 17938 ZIP code and evaluate the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet crucial, component of arthritis management. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The Arthritis Score will assess the availability of mental health services within the 17938 ZIP code and the degree to which PCPs collaborate with mental health professionals. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to therapists and psychiatrists will be viewed more favorably. The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for patients dealing with the psychological aspects of arthritis.

The analysis will also consider the accessibility of physical therapy and occupational therapy services. These therapies are essential for managing arthritis symptoms, improving mobility, and maintaining independence. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability of these services within the 17938 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access them. Practices that have established relationships with physical and occupational therapists will be viewed more favorably.

Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the availability of specialized arthritis care. While PCPs are the cornerstone of arthritis management, some patients may require the expertise of a rheumatologist, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. The Arthritis Score will assess the proximity of rheumatologists to the 17938 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals.

The geographic distribution of practices within the 17938 ZIP code is another important factor. The analysis will consider whether practices are clustered in one area or are more evenly distributed throughout the region. This impacts the ease of access for residents in different parts of the ZIP code.

Finally, the analysis will consider the cost of care. The Arthritis Score will assess the practices' acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford their healthcare.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for doctors in ZIP code 17938 and primary care availability in Hegins is a multifaceted assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other factors crucial for effective arthritis management. The final score will be a reflection of the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of primary care services available to residents of this area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice types, and other relevant data points within the 17938 ZIP code, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.