18252, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18252, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.41 percent of the residents in 18252 has some form of health insurance. 40.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.96 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 18252 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,809 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18252. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,170 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,526 health care providers accessible to residents in 18252, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Tamaqua, PA (ZIP Code 18252)

Analyzing the availability and quality of arthritis care in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18252) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their capacity to manage arthritis, the presence of specialists, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. We aim to provide an "Arthritis Score" reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for individuals in this community. This score, while not a single number, will be built on the following key areas.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of arthritis care often begins with a PCP. Therefore, the physician-to-patient ratio within Tamaqua is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, coupled with information from physician directories and insurance provider networks, is essential to determine the actual ratio. This includes accounting for the number of active, practicing PCPs within the ZIP code, and estimating the population they serve. Furthermore, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute issues significantly impacts the score. A high availability of readily accessible appointments boosts the score.

**Specialist Access and Geographic Considerations:**

While PCPs manage many arthritis cases, access to rheumatologists is critical for complex or severe conditions. The proximity of rheumatologists to Tamaqua is a major factor. If the closest rheumatologist is located a significant distance away, the score will be negatively affected. Transportation limitations, particularly for elderly patients, can exacerbate this issue. The analysis must consider the travel time, the availability of public transportation, and the presence of any shuttle services specifically for medical appointments. The number of rheumatologists serving the area and their willingness to accept new patients are also key indicators.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their approach to arthritis care. This includes assessing the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient information sharing, the implementation of patient education programs, and the availability of on-site diagnostic tools like X-ray or ultrasound. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to a patient-centered approach, offering comprehensive care and coordinating services, will receive higher scores. This also encompasses the practice's ability to effectively manage chronic pain and the availability of physical therapy or occupational therapy within the practice or through readily accessible referrals.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Tamaqua. The adoption rate of telemedicine by local practices is an important factor. Practices that offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education will receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services for initial consultations, particularly for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges, is also a positive indicator. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telehealth with the practice's EHR system are crucial aspects to consider.

**Mental Health Resources and Integrated Care:**

Arthritis can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is therefore a critical component of the score. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health issues and offer referrals to mental health professionals will receive a higher score. The integration of mental health services with arthritis care, whether through co-located services or collaborative care models, is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach. The availability of support groups or educational programs focused on managing the psychological aspects of arthritis also contributes positively to the score.

**Specifics within Tamaqua:**

To generate a specific analysis for Tamaqua, we would need to delve deeper. This would involve identifying the specific PCPs and rheumatologists serving the area. We would need to determine their patient load, their use of EHRs, and their adoption of telemedicine. We would need to assess the availability of physical therapy and mental health services. We would need to investigate the presence of patient education programs and support groups. This detailed investigation would allow for a more precise assessment of the "Arthritis Score" for the community.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating arthritis care in Tamaqua, PA, requires a comprehensive understanding of physician availability, specialist access, practice methodologies, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. The "Arthritis Score" is a reflection of these interconnected factors. By analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, we can assess the quality and accessibility of care for individuals in this community. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Tamaqua and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides an interactive and data-driven visualization of healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and make informed decisions.