15337, Graysville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15337, Graysville, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.49 percent of the residents in 15337 has some form of health insurance. 33.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.74 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 15337 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15337. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 91 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,455 health care providers accessible to residents in 15337, Graysville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Graysville, PA (ZIP Code 15337)

Graysville, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled within ZIP code 15337, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when assessing its overall health landscape. Evaluating the availability and quality of healthcare, particularly primary care, requires a nuanced approach considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" based on various metrics, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is accessible primary care. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a crucial initial indicator. While precise, up-to-the-minute data on the exact number of practicing PCPs within 15337 is difficult to obtain due to the fluid nature of medical practice and privacy regulations, publicly available resources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. These estimates, however, may not fully capture the practical reality. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, often leads to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient access, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access, but it doesn't guarantee quality.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the existing practices are paramount. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, which are particularly relevant to the demographics of many rural communities? The availability of evening and weekend hours, walk-in appointments, and multilingual staff significantly impacts accessibility for diverse populations. Practices that offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals, contribute to a higher overall health score.

Standout practices, those that consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care and community engagement, play a vital role. Identifying these practices involves evaluating patient reviews, assessing the adoption of innovative technologies, and examining their involvement in community health initiatives. Practices actively involved in preventative care, such as offering regular screenings and health education programs, are particularly valuable. Those that leverage electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to coordinate care and improve communication with patients also contribute positively.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the overall health score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, and virtual mental health services significantly enhance accessibility and convenience. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can also improve the quality of care.

Mental health resources are often under-resourced, particularly in rural areas. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is a crucial component of a comprehensive healthcare system. The presence of mental health services within primary care practices, such as integrated behavioral health programs, can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Community-based mental health services, such as support groups and crisis intervention programs, also contribute to a higher overall health score.

Furthermore, the presence of supporting healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals, pharmacies, and specialized clinics, impacts the overall health score. Proximity to these resources and the ability to access them easily are critical for providing comprehensive care. The presence of community health centers, which often serve as a safety net for vulnerable populations, can significantly improve access to care.

Evaluating the overall health score for Graysville (15337) requires a multi-faceted approach. While a precise numerical score is difficult to calculate without comprehensive, real-time data, a qualitative assessment can be made based on the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of existing practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall health score.

Based on the available information, and the challenges inherent in rural healthcare, the overall health score for Graysville (15337) likely falls in the moderate range. While there may be dedicated physicians and practices providing quality care, the potential for limited access to specialists, the challenges of attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in a rural setting, and the potential for under-resourced mental health services are important considerations. The adoption of telemedicine, where available, and the presence of strong primary care practices are positive indicators.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Graysville and other areas, consider exploring the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a deeper understanding of physician distribution, access to care, and other critical factors influencing community health. This visual approach can help identify areas of need and inform strategies to improve healthcare access and quality.