18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.02 percent of the residents in 18854 has some form of health insurance. 37.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.88 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 18854 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 340 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18854. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 290 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,896 health care providers accessible to residents in 18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18854 and Primary Care Availability in Wysox

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 18854 and the broader Wysox area requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing access to care for individuals suffering from arthritis. This analysis focuses on several key areas: physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the provision of mental health support, all crucial elements in determining an "Arthritis Score" reflecting the quality and accessibility of care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. In 18854 and the surrounding Wysox area, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. A low ratio can lead to appointment delays, reduced time per patient, and ultimately, compromised care for those managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories must be analyzed to estimate the PCP-to-patient ratio. This number, alongside the availability of rheumatologists, directly impacts the Arthritis Score. The presence of rheumatologists, specialists in arthritis and related conditions, is paramount. Their availability, coupled with the ease of referral from PCPs, significantly influences the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment.

Practice characteristics play a substantial role. The size and organizational structure of medical practices in the area are important. Larger practices might offer a broader range of services, including on-site physical therapy, diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs), and potentially, integrated mental health services. Smaller, independent practices might offer a more personalized approach, but may lack the resources of larger organizations. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of these ancillary services. Practices offering comprehensive care, including physical therapy and access to pain management specialists, will score higher.

Technological integration is another crucial aspect. Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant for arthritis patients. Telehealth allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for those with mobility limitations. The Arthritis Score will reflect the availability and utilization of telemedicine services by local practices. Practices actively using telehealth platforms for patient communication, appointment scheduling, and remote monitoring will receive a higher score. The ease of access to patient portals and electronic health records (EHRs) is also considered.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but are vitally important. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of mental health services, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will be viewed more favorably. Integration of mental health screenings into routine care is also a positive indicator. Addressing the psychological aspects of living with arthritis is essential for comprehensive patient care.

To determine the Arthritis Score, each of these areas is assessed. A weighted system is used, reflecting the relative importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of rheumatologists receive significant weight. Practice characteristics, including ancillary services, are also heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resource availability contribute to the overall score.

The analysis must also consider the geographical distribution of healthcare resources within the Wysox area. Access to care can vary significantly depending on location. Factors like transportation infrastructure, public transit options, and the distance to medical facilities are crucial. The Arthritis Score will reflect the accessibility of care for all residents, including those in rural or underserved areas.

Standout practices in the 18854 ZIP code and Wysox area will be identified. These practices demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, such as high physician-to-patient ratios, comprehensive service offerings, advanced telemedicine integration, and a strong focus on mental health support. They serve as models for other practices in the region, showcasing best practices in arthritis care. These practices are identified by analyzing patient reviews, practice websites, and publicly available data.

The overall Arthritis Score for the region will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. A higher score indicates a more accessible and comprehensive healthcare environment for arthritis patients. A lower score highlights areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health support.

The methodology for calculating the Arthritis Score involves a combination of data analysis, qualitative assessment, and expert opinion. Data from various sources, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and patient advocacy groups, is used. Qualitative assessments involve reviewing practice websites, patient reviews, and other publicly available information. Expert opinion from healthcare professionals specializing in arthritis care is incorporated to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the score.

The analysis will also consider the specific needs of the arthritis patient population. This includes assessing the availability of specialized services, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. The Arthritis Score will reflect the accessibility of these services, as well as the availability of patient education and support groups. Patient education and support groups are essential for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

The final Arthritis Score provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and to develop policies that improve access to care for arthritis patients.

The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that the Arthritis Score remains a relevant and reliable tool for assessing the quality and accessibility of arthritis care in the 18854 ZIP code and the Wysox area. The ongoing monitoring of key indicators, such as physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource utilization, is critical for maintaining the accuracy and usefulness of the score.

This comprehensive analysis, while providing a detailed overview of the healthcare landscape, is just the beginning. To truly understand the geographical distribution of these resources and visualize the data, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.