18707, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18707, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.35 percent of the residents in 18707 has some form of health insurance. 28.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.05 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 18707 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,746 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18707. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,577 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,480 health care providers accessible to residents in 18707, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Mountain Top, PA (ZIP Code 18707)

This analysis explores the landscape of arthritis care within ZIP code 18707 (Mountain Top, Pennsylvania), focusing on primary care availability and its impact on patient access to specialized rheumatological services. We’ll evaluate key factors influencing an “Arthritis Score” for the area, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem for individuals managing arthritis in this specific geographic region.

The foundation of effective arthritis management often rests on accessible primary care. Mountain Top, as a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. The overall “Arthritis Score” is heavily influenced by the ease with which patients can secure appointments with their primary care physicians (PCPs). Long wait times, limited appointment slots, and a shortage of PCPs directly translate to a lower score, as these factors hinder early diagnosis, timely referrals to rheumatologists, and consistent monitoring of the disease.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. While precise figures for 18707 alone may be difficult to obtain due to data aggregation, analyzing county-level data (likely Luzerne County) provides a useful proxy. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, suggests potential difficulties in accessing primary care. This scarcity can exacerbate the challenges for arthritis patients, who require frequent check-ups, medication management, and referrals to specialists. The score is negatively impacted by a high ratio.

Standout primary care practices in the area contribute positively to the “Arthritis Score.” Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offer extended hours, and demonstrate a commitment to chronic disease management are highly valued. A practice known for its responsiveness to patient needs, efficient appointment scheduling, and proactive communication regarding test results and medication refills will significantly improve the score. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) related to arthritis and related conditions will be rewarded, as this indicates a commitment to staying current with the latest treatment advancements.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals significantly enhances the “Arthritis Score.” Practices that embrace telemedicine offer patients greater flexibility, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent communication with their physicians. This is especially relevant in a rural area like Mountain Top, where transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing care. The score benefits from practices that actively promote and utilize telemedicine platforms.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical element. Arthritis is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, all of which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Primary care practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, contribute positively to the “Arthritis Score.” This integrated approach recognizes the holistic needs of patients and promotes a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan. The score is elevated by the availability of mental health support.

The availability of rheumatologists within a reasonable distance from Mountain Top is also a critical factor. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ease of access to specialized rheumatological care directly impacts the overall “Arthritis Score.” Long travel times to see a rheumatologist, or a shortage of specialists in the region, will negatively affect the score. The score is improved by the proximity of rheumatology practices.

Furthermore, the local hospital systems and their support of arthritis care are relevant. Hospitals that offer specialized arthritis clinics, provide access to advanced imaging technologies (e.g., MRI), and have established protocols for managing arthritis patients contribute positively to the score. The score benefits from the presence of supportive hospital resources.

The availability of patient education resources, support groups, and community outreach programs also influences the “Arthritis Score.” Practices that actively educate patients about their condition, offer resources for self-management, and facilitate connections with support groups demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients and improving their overall well-being. The score is positively impacted by these resources.

Finally, the cost of healthcare, including insurance coverage and medication affordability, plays a crucial role in patient access to care. High out-of-pocket expenses, limited insurance options, and the high cost of medications can significantly hinder a patient's ability to receive the necessary treatment and management for their arthritis. The “Arthritis Score” is negatively affected by high healthcare costs.

In conclusion, evaluating the “Arthritis Score” for Mountain Top (ZIP code 18707) requires a multifaceted approach. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more granular assessment would involve detailed data collection, including patient surveys, physician interviews, and a thorough review of healthcare infrastructure. This analysis highlights the importance of accessible primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the availability of specialized rheumatological services. The goal is to provide a snapshot of the current landscape, and to identify areas for improvement to enhance the quality of arthritis care for residents of Mountain Top.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Mountain Top and beyond? Explore the power of geographic data with CartoChrome maps! Gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource distribution. Visit CartoChrome today to unlock the potential of location intelligence.**