20317, Washington, District of Columbia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 20317, Washington, District of Columbia is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 20317 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 0.00 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 20317 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 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 20317. An estimate of 0 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 179 health care providers accessible to residents in 20317, Washington, District of Columbia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 20317 and Primary Care Availability in Washington

This analysis delves into the overall health landscape, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP Code 20317 and the broader context of primary care access throughout the state of Washington. We will evaluate several key metrics, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a clear understanding of the health infrastructure and its capacity to serve the population.

ZIP Code 20317, located within the vicinity of the Naval Support Activity Washington, presents a unique demographic profile. The population likely includes a mix of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and civilian employees. This demographic composition necessitates a healthcare system that can cater to the specific needs of these individuals, including specialized care for military-related health concerns and readily accessible primary care for all.

One of the critical indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, meaning more physicians per capita, generally indicates better access to care. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio *within* ZIP Code 20317 requires detailed data analysis, ideally sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state health departments. However, we can infer some information. Proximity to military medical facilities, such as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, could potentially impact this ratio. These facilities may offer a higher concentration of physicians, thereby influencing the local availability of primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing factors like patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based medicine, and the presence of specialized programs. Practices that have achieved recognition from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or have consistently high ratings on patient review websites are strong candidates. For ZIP Code 20317, the presence of military medical facilities might influence the landscape. These facilities often have robust quality assurance programs and may serve as benchmarks for the entire region.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in modern healthcare, particularly in expanding access to care for underserved populations. Its adoption rate within ZIP Code 20317 and across Washington is a key area of investigation. Factors to consider include the availability of telehealth platforms, insurance coverage for virtual visits, and the digital literacy of the patient population. The military community, with its potential for frequent relocations, could benefit greatly from telemedicine, allowing patients to maintain continuity of care regardless of their physical location.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall well-being, and their availability is a critical factor in evaluating the health of any community. The analysis must assess the presence of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within ZIP Code 20317 and the broader Washington state. The presence of specialized programs, such as those addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance abuse, would be particularly relevant given the potential for these issues within the military and veteran populations.

Washington State, in general, has a reputation for progressive healthcare policies. The state's commitment to expanding Medicaid and its efforts to improve access to care for all residents should be considered. The analysis should investigate the state's efforts to address health disparities, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations. The state's approach to mental health services, including funding for community-based programs and the integration of mental health care into primary care settings, is also relevant.

Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary care availability. The pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on healthcare systems, leading to staffing shortages, increased demand for services, and the accelerated adoption of telemedicine. Understanding how the pandemic has affected primary care access in ZIP Code 20317 and across Washington is crucial.

Data sources for this analysis would include the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health, the CMS, and various healthcare provider directories. Patient satisfaction surveys and online review platforms would also provide valuable insights. The analysis should synthesize this data to create a comprehensive picture of primary care availability and quality.

The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The analysis should identify areas where access to care is limited and suggest potential solutions. This could involve recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources.

For ZIP Code 20317, the analysis should consider the unique needs of the military and veteran populations. This includes assessing the availability of specialized care for military-related health concerns and ensuring that veterans have access to the benefits and services they are entitled to. The analysis should also evaluate the coordination of care between military medical facilities, civilian providers, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of primary care availability within ZIP Code 20317 and across Washington state requires a multifaceted approach. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining mental health resources, we can gain a clearer understanding of the health infrastructure and its capacity to serve the population. The findings of this analysis can inform policy decisions, guide resource allocation, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of residents.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in greater detail, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for understanding the spatial dimensions of healthcare access and can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.