17982, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 17982, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.78 percent of the residents in 17982 has some form of health insurance. 53.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.62 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 17982 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 37 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17982. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 173 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,811 health care providers accessible to residents in 17982, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17982 and Primary Care in Tuscarora

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area, like ZIP code 17982, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, particularly those specializing in arthritis treatment, and assess the broader healthcare landscape in the Tuscarora region, aiming to provide an "Arthritis Score" ranking, even if a formal scoring system isn't explicitly used. This score will be derived from the availability of resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of innovative healthcare practices.

The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and other specialists within 17982 is paramount. Publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and local health department records would be essential to gather this data. This data must then be compared to the population of the area to calculate the ratio. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the Arthritis Score, suggesting potential difficulties in accessing timely care. Conversely, a higher ratio would indicate better access, boosting the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the specialty of the available physicians is critical. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, access to rheumatologists is vital for diagnosing and managing arthritis. The presence of rheumatologists within the ZIP code, or in close proximity, significantly impacts the Arthritis Score. If residents must travel long distances to see a specialist, the score will be lower, reflecting increased barriers to care.

Another factor influencing the Arthritis Score is the presence of standout practices. Are there clinics or hospitals within 17982 or nearby that are known for their expertise in arthritis treatment? Do they offer comprehensive services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to advanced imaging techniques? Identifying and evaluating these practices is crucial. Practices with a strong reputation, experienced staff, and a patient-centered approach would positively influence the score.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern element to consider. The Arthritis Score should reflect the availability of telehealth services for both primary care and rheumatology consultations. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals would receive higher scores, indicating a commitment to accessible and convenient care.

Mental health resources are another crucial element. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The Arthritis Score should reflect the availability of mental health support services, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, either within the primary care practices or in the broader community. The presence of these resources would positively influence the score, recognizing the importance of holistic care.

Evaluating the quality of care is also vital. While a direct assessment of quality is challenging, indirect measures can be used. This includes analyzing patient reviews, looking at the practice's accreditation status, and assessing its participation in quality improvement programs. Practices with positive patient feedback, accreditation from reputable organizations, and a commitment to continuous improvement would receive higher scores.

Analyzing the specific practices and hospitals in and around 17982 is important. For instance, if a local hospital has a dedicated rheumatology department with a good reputation, it would significantly boost the score. Conversely, if the nearest hospital is a considerable distance away, with limited specialist availability, it would lower the score. The availability of other healthcare facilities, such as urgent care centers and rehabilitation clinics, also needs to be considered.

The Tuscarora region's primary care availability is a key indicator. The Arthritis Score is directly affected by the overall accessibility of primary care. If there are significant shortages of primary care physicians, patients with arthritis may struggle to get timely referrals to specialists. Assessing the availability of primary care appointments, wait times, and the acceptance of various insurance plans is important.

Additionally, the availability of support services impacts the score. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to pain management specialists. These services are crucial for managing arthritis symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients. The presence of these services within the ZIP code, or in close proximity, would positively influence the score.

The overall score is a composite assessment of all these factors. It is important to note that this is a relative assessment and not an absolute measure of the quality of care. The score is designed to provide an overview of the healthcare landscape within the specified geographic area, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The score would be lower if there are shortages of physicians, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health support. Conversely, the score would be higher if there is a good physician-to-patient ratio, easy access to specialists, robust telemedicine options, and ample mental health support.

The final Arthritis Score is an assessment of the healthcare environment in 17982, considering the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the accessibility of services. It is designed to be a helpful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 17982 and the Tuscarora region, including the locations of healthcare providers, access to services, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility in your area.