18356, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18356, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18356 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 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 18356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18356. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,968 health care providers accessible to residents in 18356, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Shawnee on Delaware (ZIP Code 18356)

Analyzing the availability and quality of arthritis care within Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18356) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider the number of physicians specializing in rheumatology, the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) who often serve as the first point of contact, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health support, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to generate an "Arthritis Score," reflecting the community's capacity to address the needs of individuals living with arthritis.

The initial challenge lies in the limited presence of specialized rheumatologists directly within the 18356 ZIP code. This is a common issue in many rural or semi-rural areas. Residents often need to travel to neighboring towns or cities, such as Stroudsburg or East Stroudsburg, to access specialized care. This travel burden significantly impacts the Arthritis Score, as it adds to the patient's physical and emotional stress, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Primary care availability is crucial. PCPs are vital in the early detection of arthritis symptoms, providing initial assessments, and managing ongoing care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Shawnee on Delaware, while not readily available in precise figures, likely reflects the broader trends of the Pocono region. The area may face a shortage of PCPs, impacting the ability of patients to get timely appointments and consistent follow-up care. This scarcity can negatively influence the Arthritis Score, as it increases the workload of existing physicians, potentially leading to shorter appointment times and less personalized care.

Standout practices, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes not only a focus on diagnosis and treatment but also on patient education, support groups, and access to physical therapy and other rehabilitative services. While identifying specific practices with this level of detail requires in-depth research, the presence of such comprehensive offerings would significantly boost the Arthritis Score. These practices would serve as beacons of excellence, offering a more holistic approach to arthritis management.

Telemedicine adoption plays a critical role in improving the Arthritis Score, especially in areas with limited access to specialists. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with rheumatologists remotely, reducing the need for travel and providing more convenient access to care. The extent to which practices in and around Shawnee on Delaware have embraced telemedicine is a key factor in determining the overall score. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals would receive higher marks.

The connection between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the overall impact of arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore essential. The Arthritis Score is negatively impacted if mental health services are scarce or difficult to access. Practices that integrate mental health support into their arthritis care programs, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, would greatly enhance the score.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a fundamental understanding of access to care. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per patient, generally translates to better access, shorter wait times, and more individualized attention. Data on the physician-to-patient ratio within the 18356 ZIP code is critical to a complete analysis. This data is not always easily accessible, but it is a crucial component of the Arthritis Score. A high physician-to-patient ratio would contribute to a higher score, while a low ratio would negatively impact it.

The overall Arthritis Score for Shawnee on Delaware, based on the factors discussed, would likely be moderate. The absence of rheumatologists within the ZIP code, coupled with potential challenges in primary care availability, would weigh down the score. However, the potential for telemedicine adoption and the presence of practices that prioritize patient education and mental health support could offer some positive aspects. The exact score would depend on the specifics of each of these factors, including the number of PCPs, the availability of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources.

The analysis of telemedicine adoption is particularly important. The ability to offer virtual consultations with rheumatologists, remote monitoring, and online patient portals could significantly improve the accessibility of specialized care for residents of Shawnee on Delaware. Practices that have embraced telemedicine would contribute positively to the Arthritis Score.

The availability of mental health resources is another crucial factor. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the overall impact of arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups is essential. The Arthritis Score would be negatively impacted if mental health services are scarce or difficult to access. Practices that integrate mental health support into their arthritis care programs would greatly enhance the score.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for Shawnee on Delaware is a complex measure, influenced by a variety of factors. While the area may face challenges in access to specialized care, the potential for telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources could improve the overall score. A comprehensive analysis requires detailed data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shawnee on Delaware and the surrounding areas, including the distribution of physicians and the accessibility of various services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful way to visualize geographic data and identify potential areas of need.