18035, Cherryville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18035, Cherryville, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18035 has some form of health insurance. 55.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 18035 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 30 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18035. An estimate of 92 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,206 health care providers accessible to residents in 18035, Cherryville, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18035 and Primary Care Availability in Cherryville

This analysis provides an “Arthritis Score” assessment for the medical landscape within ZIP code 18035 (which encompasses parts of, or is wholly, the town of Cherryville, PA) focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and resources relevant to arthritis management. The "Arthritis Score" is a composite, subjective evaluation based on factors including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all crucial elements for individuals managing arthritis. The score, although not a formal, quantifiable metric, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment in the area.

The foundation of a strong arthritis care system lies in accessible primary care. Cherryville, a relatively small community, likely faces challenges in physician density. The national average physician-to-patient ratio hovers around 1:400, meaning one doctor for every 400 patients. In a rural setting, this ratio is often skewed, with fewer physicians serving a larger population spread across a wider geographic area. A high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and consistent care, which are critical for arthritis patients who require regular monitoring and management.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in 18035 requires accessing publicly available data, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical board databases. These resources, however, can be complex to interpret and may not provide real-time, granular data. The analysis would ideally involve identifying the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and estimating the population they serve.

Beyond the raw numbers, understanding the characteristics of existing practices is crucial. Are there any multi-specialty practices that offer integrated care, potentially including rheumatology services or physical therapy? The presence of these integrated services streamlines care, allowing patients to access multiple specialists within a single location. This is especially beneficial for arthritis patients who often require a multidisciplinary approach.

Identifying standout practices involves reviewing online patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources about arthritis management, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence, are likely to offer a higher quality of care. Furthermore, practices that emphasize preventative care, such as regular check-ups and screenings, are more likely to detect and manage arthritis early.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in enhancing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. For arthritis patients, telemedicine can be particularly useful for follow-up appointments, medication management, and monitoring symptoms. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 18035 involves investigating whether they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and secure communication platforms.

The mental health aspect of arthritis management is often overlooked, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the healthcare system is a key factor in the "Arthritis Score." This includes the presence of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists and counselors, and access to support groups.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves investigating whether PCPs in 18035 offer integrated mental health services or have established referral networks. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health issues and provide access to appropriate support are likely to offer a more comprehensive approach to arthritis care.

The overall "Arthritis Score" for 18035, considering the factors discussed, is likely to be moderate. The rural nature of Cherryville may present challenges in physician density, potentially leading to higher physician-to-patient ratios. However, the presence of dedicated practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources could elevate the score.

To improve the "Arthritis Score" in 18035, several strategies could be implemented. Encouraging more physicians to practice in the area, promoting telemedicine adoption, and fostering collaboration between PCPs, rheumatologists, and mental health professionals would be beneficial. Investing in patient education programs and supporting the development of local support groups could also enhance the quality of care.

The analysis highlights the importance of understanding the healthcare landscape within a specific geographic area. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, it is possible to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the quality and accessibility of care. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals managing arthritis.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 18035, including the locations of practices, physician density, and the availability of various resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to explore the healthcare environment in Cherryville and surrounding areas in detail.