The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17970, Saint Clair, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 17970 has some form of health insurance. 44.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.49 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 17970 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 536 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17970. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 677 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,536 health care providers accessible to residents in 17970, Saint Clair, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17970, Saint Clair, Pennsylvania
Arthritis Score | 27 |
---|---|
People Score | 22 |
Provider Score | 31 |
Hospital Score | 43 |
Travel Score | 63 |
17970 | Saint Clair | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Arthritis Score Analysis: Saint Clair, PA (ZIP Code 17970)
This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17970), with a focus on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis care.
Saint Clair, a borough in Schuylkill County, faces the challenges common to many rural communities, including potential limitations in healthcare access. Understanding the landscape of local medical resources is vital for residents, especially those living with chronic conditions like arthritis, which often necessitate regular medical attention and specialized care.
The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. While precise figures require ongoing data collection, the overall PCP availability in Schuylkill County, and by extension, Saint Clair, may be a concern. Areas with lower physician densities can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced continuity of care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments for arthritis sufferers. The analysis will delve into the specific number of PCPs practicing within the 17970 ZIP code and estimate the patient load they carry. This will be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care.
Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves examining the services offered by local clinics and hospitals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care might, for example, have dedicated rheumatology referrals, physical therapy services on-site, or educational programs for patients. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the presence of patient portals, electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing between specialists and PCPs, and the availability of after-hours care options. These factors contribute significantly to the overall patient experience and the effective management of arthritis.
Telemedicine adoption is another key area. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, can significantly improve access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The analysis will assess the extent to which local PCPs and healthcare facilities offer telemedicine services, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and secure messaging platforms. The availability of these technologies can be a game-changer for individuals managing chronic conditions.
The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as vital for individuals with chronic illnesses. Arthritis can be a physically and emotionally taxing condition, and access to mental health support is crucial for overall well-being. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the Saint Clair area, including whether PCPs have integrated mental health screening into their practice, and the availability of referrals to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. The proximity of these resources to the primary care setting is also a factor.
Specific examples of practices will be considered. For instance, if a local practice has a dedicated rheumatology referral program or partners with a physical therapy clinic specializing in arthritis management, this will be highlighted. The analysis will also consider the use of patient education materials, support groups, and other resources that can empower patients to actively participate in their care. The presence of these factors suggests a more patient-centered approach.
The analysis will also consider the age and experience of the PCPs practicing in the area. While experience is not always a guarantee of quality, it can be a factor in assessing a physician’s understanding of chronic conditions. Similarly, the analysis will investigate the availability of bilingual services, which is important for serving a diverse population.
Furthermore, the analysis will consider the accessibility of the healthcare facilities themselves. This includes factors like wheelchair accessibility, convenient parking, and proximity to public transportation. These seemingly small details can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care.
The analysis will also consider the availability of urgent care facilities and emergency rooms. While these facilities are not a substitute for regular primary care, they can provide immediate assistance for acute arthritis flares or other medical emergencies.
The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized services. This includes access to rheumatologists, pain management specialists, and other healthcare professionals who can provide specialized care for arthritis. The analysis will also consider the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as X-rays and MRIs, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring arthritis.
The analysis will consider the reputation of local practices. This will involve reviewing patient reviews and ratings, as well as considering any awards or recognitions that the practices may have received.
The analysis will consider the cost of care. This will involve considering the fees charged by local practices, as well as the availability of financial assistance programs.
The analysis will consider the availability of insurance coverage. This will involve considering the types of insurance plans that are accepted by local practices, as well as the availability of insurance navigators who can help patients understand their coverage options.
In conclusion, assessing the availability and quality of primary care in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the resources available to individuals managing arthritis, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to empower residents with the information they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively and receive the best possible care.
For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Saint Clair, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like