18357, Skytop, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18357, Skytop, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.88 percent of the residents in 18357 has some form of health insurance. 89.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.06 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 18357 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 18357. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 52 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,745 health care providers accessible to residents in 18357, Skytop, Pennsylvania.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18357 and Primary Care Availability in Skytop**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 18357, encompassing areas like Pocono Lake and Swiftwater, alongside the specific context of primary care availability in Skytop, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide an 'Arthritis Score' assessment, considering factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, particularly access to primary care, specialist availability, and supportive resources. The evaluation will be based on publicly available data, including physician directories, hospital websites, and information on telemedicine and mental health services.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). For individuals with arthritis, a strong PCP is crucial for initial diagnosis, ongoing management, and coordination of care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A high ratio indicates fewer doctors per patient, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Data on this ratio within 18357, and specifically in relation to Skytop, is essential. We need to investigate the number of practicing PCPs in the area and estimate the patient population they serve. This information, however, is often difficult to obtain directly. We will need to rely on publicly available physician directories, insurance provider networks, and data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The 'Arthritis Score' should consider the experience and expertise of PCPs in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Do they have a demonstrated history of treating arthritis patients? Do they readily refer to specialists, such as rheumatologists, when necessary? We would need to assess the availability of rheumatologists within a reasonable travel distance from 18357 and Skytop. The presence of a rheumatologist in the immediate vicinity significantly improves the 'Arthritis Score' for the region. If no rheumatologists are locally available, the distance to the nearest specialists and the ease of referral processes become critical factors.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant element. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, can be a valuable tool for arthritis patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or who live in rural areas. It allows for remote monitoring, medication management, and follow-up appointments. The 'Arthritis Score' should reflect the availability of telemedicine services offered by PCPs and specialists in the area. Do local practices offer virtual appointments? Are they equipped with the technology to support remote patient monitoring? The presence of telemedicine options can significantly improve access to care, especially for residents of Skytop, which may have limited transportation options.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis management, but they are critically important. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The 'Arthritis Score' must consider the availability of mental health services in the area. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, readily accessible? Do PCPs and specialists have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is crucial for holistic arthritis management.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. These practices may offer specialized programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and patient education classes. They may also have a dedicated care coordinator to assist patients with navigating the healthcare system. Identifying these standout practices within 18357 and assessing their accessibility is a key part of the 'Arthritis Score' analysis. We need to look for practices that have a patient-centered approach, offering services beyond basic medical care.

Analyzing the specific context of Skytop requires additional consideration. Skytop is a more rural area, which may present unique challenges in terms of healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists in Skytop itself is likely limited. The analysis must therefore consider the proximity of Skytop to larger towns and cities within 18357, such as Pocono Lake, and the ease of travel to those areas. Public transportation options, if any, and the availability of transportation assistance programs for those with mobility limitations are important factors.

The 'Arthritis Score' should also consider the availability of support groups and community resources. These resources can provide valuable support and education for arthritis patients. Are there local chapters of arthritis support organizations? Do local hospitals or clinics offer patient education programs? The presence of these resources can significantly improve the overall quality of life for arthritis patients.

To derive the 'Arthritis Score', a weighted scoring system would be applied. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices and community resources – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score would then be calculated based on the availability and quality of these factors within 18357 and, specifically, in relation to Skytop.

Obtaining the necessary data for a precise 'Arthritis Score' requires a thorough investigation. This would involve combing through physician directories, hospital websites, and insurance provider networks. It would also involve contacting local practices and organizations to gather information on their services and resources. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in the area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and informing recommendations for improvement.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in 18357 and Skytop, as described, is a complex undertaking. It requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of supportive services. The 'Arthritis Score' provides a framework for evaluating these factors and providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment for arthritis patients in the region.

For a detailed, visually rich, and interactive understanding of physician locations, primary care availability, and related healthcare resources in 18357 and Skytop, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a dynamic and insightful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.