18837, Rome, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.76 percent of the residents in 18837 has some form of health insurance. 35.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.70 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 18837 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 644 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18837. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 454 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,664 health care providers accessible to residents in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Rome, PA (ZIP Code 18837) and Primary Care Availability

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Rome, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 18837 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to manage patients with arthritis, and the overall support systems available to address the complex needs of individuals suffering from this chronic condition. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," will consider several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced time spent with each patient. Unfortunately, publicly available data on physician distribution within specific ZIP codes can be limited. However, we can utilize data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and other sources to estimate the primary care physician density in Bradford County, where Rome is located. This data, coupled with information from state medical boards and local healthcare directories, can provide a general understanding of the availability of primary care physicians. A concerningly low ratio would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of practices available are crucial. Does the area have a significant concentration of general practitioners, or are there specialized rheumatologists? Rheumatologists are essential for diagnosing and managing various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus. The presence of a rheumatology practice would significantly boost the Arthritis Score, providing patients with direct access to specialized care. The absence of a rheumatologist, forcing patients to travel significant distances for specialist appointments, would severely detract from the score. Furthermore, the availability of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain management specialists is also critical. These professionals play a vital role in managing the symptoms of arthritis and improving patients' quality of life.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic communication, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, would receive a higher score. The ability to remotely monitor patients' symptoms and provide timely interventions can also prevent exacerbations and reduce the need for emergency room visits. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine options would lower the score, potentially hindering access to timely care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are incredibly important for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. Living with chronic pain, limited mobility, and the potential for disease progression can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. This integration demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. The absence of such resources would negatively impact the Arthritis Score, potentially leaving patients unsupported in managing the psychological impact of their condition.

Standout practices, if any, are crucial to identify. These could be practices that are known for their patient-centered care, their use of innovative treatment approaches, or their commitment to community outreach. Identifying these practices requires gathering information from various sources, including patient reviews, physician directories, and local healthcare organizations. Practices with positive reputations and a demonstrable commitment to excellence would contribute positively to the overall Arthritis Score. This involves a detailed look at the practice's approach to patient education, its willingness to participate in clinical trials, and its commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in arthritis treatment.

Primary care availability in Rome, PA, is intrinsically linked to the overall Arthritis Score. If primary care physicians are readily accessible, it provides a crucial foundation for managing arthritis. They can act as the first point of contact, providing initial assessments, coordinating referrals to specialists, and managing overall patient health. The accessibility of primary care physicians also affects the efficiency of the healthcare system. When patients can easily access their primary care physician, it reduces the burden on specialists and emergency rooms. This improved efficiency contributes to a higher Arthritis Score.

In conclusion, assessing the Arthritis Score for Rome, PA (ZIP Code 18837) and primary care availability requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the identification of standout practices. While this analysis provides a general overview, accessing real-time, location-specific data is essential for a complete picture. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rome, PA, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.