18328, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18328, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.06 percent of the residents in 18328 has some form of health insurance. 44.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.35 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 18328 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,702 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18328. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,438 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,057 health care providers accessible to residents in 18328, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18328 and Primary Care Availability in Dingmans Ferry**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 18328, encompassing Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, to assess the availability of primary care physicians and related resources, particularly for individuals managing arthritis. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and examine the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Dingmans Ferry, a rural area, this ratio is likely to be a significant factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential shortage of primary care providers, which can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, coupled with information from the US Census Bureau regarding population demographics within 18328, would be crucial in calculating this ratio. This data would then be compared against national averages and benchmarks for rural areas to determine the severity of any potential shortage.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is critical. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Firstly, patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall experience. Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can be mined for this information. Secondly, the practice’s accreditation status, such as those from the Joint Commission or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), signals adherence to established quality standards. Thirdly, the availability of specialized services relevant to arthritis management, such as physical therapy, rheumatology referrals, and access to diagnostic imaging, is essential. Practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas would be considered as standout options.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers patients in Dingmans Ferry the opportunity to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. The extent of telemedicine adoption within primary care practices in 18328 would be assessed by examining their websites, contacting the practices directly, and reviewing insurance coverage policies for telehealth services. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and digital patient portals would all be considered indicators of telemedicine integration. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially mitigate the challenges posed by a low physician-to-patient ratio and enhance access to care.

The link between physical health and mental health is well-established, and this is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks is therefore a key consideration. This involves evaluating whether practices offer on-site mental health services, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, and provide resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health integration and offer comprehensive support services would be considered more patient-centered and better equipped to manage the holistic needs of individuals with arthritis.

The analysis would also explore the accessibility of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for many patients, individuals with arthritis often require the expertise of rheumatologists. The availability of rheumatologists within a reasonable travel distance from Dingmans Ferry is crucial. The analysis would investigate the number of rheumatologists serving the area, their appointment availability, and their willingness to accept new patients. The presence of support groups and educational resources for arthritis patients would also be considered.

The challenges of healthcare access in rural areas often extend beyond the availability of physicians. Transportation limitations, insurance coverage issues, and socioeconomic factors can all impact a patient’s ability to receive timely and appropriate care. This analysis would consider these factors by examining the availability of public transportation options, the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices, and the presence of community health programs that offer financial assistance or other support services.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. First, publicly available data sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, would be utilized to gather information on physician-to-patient ratios and population demographics. Second, online directories and review platforms would be examined to identify primary care practices in 18328 and gather information on their services, patient reviews, and telemedicine adoption. Third, direct contact with the practices, either through phone calls or online inquiries, would be necessary to confirm information, assess the availability of appointments, and understand their approach to mental health integration.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of primary care availability and quality in Dingmans Ferry, with a specific focus on the needs of individuals with arthritis. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources, this analysis aims to offer valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The findings can be used to inform healthcare planning, improve patient access to care, and ultimately, enhance the quality of life for individuals living with arthritis in Dingmans Ferry.

The information gleaned from this detailed analysis can be visualized and further explored using interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps, for example, offer a powerful way to visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, the location of specialized services, and the accessibility of resources within a specific geographic area. They can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dingmans Ferry and explore the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and available resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping capabilities can provide valuable insights and facilitate data-driven decision-making for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers.