17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.03 percent of the residents in 17949 has some form of health insurance. 66.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.91 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 17949 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 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17949. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 47 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,905 health care providers accessible to residents in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Mahanoy Plane, PA (ZIP Code 17949)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for individuals managing arthritis in Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17949) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced ‘Arthritis Score’ assessment, offering insights for residents and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The initial challenge lies in the inherent limitations of a ZIP code-centric analysis. While 17949 serves as a geographical marker, healthcare access extends beyond these boundaries. Patients may travel to neighboring towns and cities for specialized care. Therefore, this assessment will consider resources within the immediate vicinity while acknowledging the potential for broader healthcare utilization.

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

A fundamental aspect of arthritis management is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for diagnosis, treatment, and referral to specialists like rheumatologists. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within 17949 and the surrounding areas is crucial. A high ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to timely care.

Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into primary care access. Analyzing these datasets, alongside information from insurance providers and local healthcare networks, is essential. The data must be interpreted cautiously, accounting for physician specialization (e.g., family medicine versus internal medicine) and the patient population’s age demographics.

The availability of primary care is further complicated by factors such as insurance acceptance and the willingness of physicians to accept new patients. Practices that are actively accepting new patients, particularly those with Medicare or Medicaid, are critical for ensuring access for vulnerable populations.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices within and around Mahanoy Plane requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating the practice’s commitment to patient education and care coordination. Practices that prioritize a holistic approach to arthritis management, incorporating physical therapy, occupational therapy, and patient support groups, are particularly valuable.

Practices that are integrated with hospitals or larger healthcare systems often have better access to resources, including advanced imaging and specialized consultations. Furthermore, the presence of on-site or readily accessible diagnostic services, such as X-ray and MRI, can streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient outcomes.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another critical factor. EHRs facilitate communication between healthcare providers, improve medication management, and allow patients to access their medical information more easily. Practices with robust EHR systems are better equipped to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Key Consideration**

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in expanding healthcare access, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in the 17949 area is a crucial component of the ‘Arthritis Score’ assessment.

Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that offer telemedicine options can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, especially for those experiencing chronic pain. The quality of telemedicine services should be evaluated, considering factors such as the availability of secure video conferencing platforms, the training of providers in telemedicine protocols, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice’s overall workflow.

**Mental Health Resources: An Often Overlooked Need**

Arthritis can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is an essential element of comprehensive arthritis care.

Assessing the availability of mental health services requires examining the presence of mental health providers in the area, as well as the accessibility of these services. This includes evaluating insurance acceptance, wait times for appointments, and the availability of telehealth options for mental health consultations. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their arthritis care are particularly commendable.

Collaboration between primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and mental health providers is crucial for providing integrated care. This can involve joint consultations, shared care plans, and referrals to appropriate mental health services.

**The ‘Arthritis Score’ and Conclusion**

Based on the factors discussed above, an ‘Arthritis Score’ for Mahanoy Plane (17949) would reflect the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals with arthritis. The score would be a composite measure, taking into account:

* **Primary Care Availability:** Physician-to-patient ratio, acceptance of new patients, insurance acceptance.
* **Standout Practices:** Reputation, range of services, care coordination, EHR adoption.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability of virtual consultations, quality of telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Availability of mental health providers, integrated mental health support.

The final score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in the area. It would also highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine options, and enhancing access to mental health services.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mahanoy Plane and other areas, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for a detailed spatial analysis of healthcare data, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.