15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 15428 has some form of health insurance. 41.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.83 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 15428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 515 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15428. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 332 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,225 health care providers accessible to residents in 15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Dawson, PA (ZIP Code 15428)

Analyzing the overall health score for the Dawson, Pennsylvania area, specifically within ZIP code 15428, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician availability, the quality of primary care services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. These elements, interwoven, paint a picture of the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

The foundation of any health score assessment is the availability of physicians. Dawson, a small community, likely faces challenges in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial metrics. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Precise data on the physician-to-patient ratio within 15428 is essential. Without this specific data, it's difficult to accurately gauge the overall health score. Publicly available resources, such as those from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates, but localized data is always preferable.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the range of services offered, the training and experience of the physicians, and the overall patient experience. Assessing this requires examining the practices within the area. Are there established primary care practices? Do they accept a variety of insurance plans? Are they accepting new patients? The reputation of these practices, as reflected in online reviews and patient testimonials, provides valuable insights. Practices with a strong reputation for patient care, comprehensive services, and a welcoming environment would significantly boost the overall health score.

Identifying "standout practices" necessitates a deeper dive. This involves looking beyond basic metrics. Are any practices employing innovative approaches to patient care? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have specialized programs for chronic disease management, such as diabetes or heart disease? Practices that actively engage in community outreach and health education initiatives also contribute positively to the overall health score. A practice that actively participates in community health fairs, provides free health screenings, or offers educational workshops would be considered a standout.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly critical, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access healthcare services remotely. This is particularly important for individuals with mobility issues, those living in remote locations, or those who struggle to take time off work. The availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, significantly enhances the overall health score. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires determining which practices offer these services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is a critical factor. Dawson's health score is directly impacted by the accessibility of these resources. Assessing this involves determining the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer, and the wait times for appointments. Furthermore, the presence of support groups, mental health clinics, and partnerships with local organizations further strengthens the community's mental health infrastructure. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also a positive indicator.

Specific examples of practices, their offerings, and their telemedicine adoption would be extremely helpful. This analysis lacks that, however, the general framework is sound.

Ultimately, calculating an "Overall Health Score" requires a holistic approach. It's not simply about the number of doctors, but also about the quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the availability of mental health resources. The integration of technology, such as telemedicine, further enhances the score. The overall health score for Dawson, PA (15428) is likely impacted by its rural location.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dawson, PA (15428), and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a geographically-informed perspective, highlighting the location of healthcare providers, the availability of services, and other relevant data points.