15025, Clairton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15025, Clairton, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.10 percent of the residents in 15025 has some form of health insurance. 37.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.88 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 15025 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,614 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15025. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,818 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,889 health care providers accessible to residents in 15025, Clairton, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Clairton, PA (ZIP Code 15025)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Clairton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15025) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. We aim to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, painting a picture of the strengths and weaknesses within the community's healthcare infrastructure.

The initial consideration is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a fundamental understanding of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, a decline in overall health outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health should be consulted to ascertain the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 15025 ZIP code. This data will be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative adequacy of physician availability in Clairton. A significantly lower ratio than the benchmarks would warrant serious concern.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are critical. Identifying standout practices requires examining factors like patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care – AAAHC), and the range of services offered. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments, and a comprehensive suite of services, including chronic disease management and preventative screenings, contribute positively to the overall health score. Conversely, practices with poor reviews, limited service offerings, or a lack of accessibility (e.g., limited insurance acceptance) would negatively impact the score. We should investigate local hospital affiliations and partnerships with specialist networks to determine the scope of services available.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the assessment. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health counseling, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and offer virtual appointments would receive a higher score. The analysis will need to consider the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of use of the platforms.

Mental health resources are crucial. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is a significant indicator of community well-being. The analysis should identify the number of mental health providers practicing within the 15025 ZIP code, as well as the presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and crisis intervention services. Furthermore, we must assess the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, as this integration can improve early detection and treatment of mental health conditions. We will also evaluate the availability of substance abuse treatment programs, given the potential for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

The geographic distribution of healthcare resources is also important. Are primary care physicians and mental health providers evenly distributed throughout the ZIP code, or are there underserved areas? This can be assessed using geographic information system (GIS) tools to map the locations of healthcare providers and overlay them with demographic data, such as population density and socioeconomic status. Areas with limited access to care, particularly those with a high concentration of vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income individuals, elderly residents), would negatively impact the overall health score.

The socioeconomic factors influencing the health of the community must also be considered. Factors like poverty rates, educational attainment, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact health outcomes. These factors are often intertwined with access to healthcare. Communities with higher rates of poverty and lower levels of education often face greater challenges in accessing and utilizing healthcare services. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis must consider these socioeconomic factors and their impact on the health landscape.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the presence of community health initiatives and programs aimed at improving health outcomes. These initiatives could include health education programs, disease prevention campaigns, and outreach efforts targeting specific populations. The effectiveness of these programs and their impact on the community’s health should be evaluated.

The overall health score will be a composite score derived from the various factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the quality of primary care practices might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. The final score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear understanding of the overall health landscape in Clairton.

The assessment will also identify areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving access to mental health resources, and implementing community health initiatives.

In conclusion, a thorough analysis of the healthcare landscape in Clairton (15025) requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socioeconomic factors. This detailed evaluation will provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, allowing for informed decision-making and targeted interventions to improve the overall health and well-being of the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and other critical health indicators within Clairton and beyond, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps.