15440, Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15440, Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15440 has some form of health insurance. 59.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 15440 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 22 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15440. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,738 health care providers accessible to residents in 15440, Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Gibbon Glade, PA (ZIP Code 15440)

Evaluating the overall health landscape in Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 15440 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Ultimately, this evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for the area.

Gibbon Glade, being a rural community, likely faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. One of the primary concerns is the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, indicates potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, reduced access to preventative care. Accurate data on this ratio requires investigation into the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 15440 ZIP code and the estimated population served. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, combined with local surveys, would be necessary to calculate a precise ratio.

The presence of standout medical practices significantly impacts the overall health score. These practices are characterized by factors such as patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Identifying such practices involves researching local healthcare providers, analyzing online reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, and assessing the scope of services offered. A practice with a strong reputation for patient care, a comprehensive range of services (including chronic disease management, preventative care, and specialized services), and a commitment to patient education would contribute positively to the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare services remotely via technology, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can help overcome geographical barriers, improve access to specialists, and provide convenient follow-up care. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing whether local primary care practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. The availability of reliable internet connectivity within the community is also a key consideration, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is a significant factor. Assessing this involves identifying the number of mental health providers practicing within the 15440 ZIP code and the types of services they offer. It is also essential to evaluate the accessibility of these services, including insurance acceptance, appointment availability, and the presence of crisis intervention resources. The presence of community-based mental health programs and support groups would further enhance the overall health score.

Further, the presence of specialized care facilities, such as urgent care centers or specialty clinics, can impact the health score. The availability of these facilities can reduce the burden on primary care physicians and provide patients with access to specialized care when needed.

To determine the 'Overall Health Score', a weighted scoring system would be employed. Each of the factors discussed – physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – would be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. For example, physician availability might be weighted more heavily than the presence of a single support group. The score for each factor would be determined based on the available data. The weighted scores would then be summed to arrive at the final 'Overall Health Score'.

Analyzing the data for Gibbon Glade (15440) reveals a potential for lower scores. The rural nature of the area suggests a possible shortage of primary care physicians, leading to a less favorable physician-to-patient ratio. The presence of standout practices, while possibly limited, can be assessed via online review platforms. Telemedicine adoption may be moderate, depending on internet access. Mental health resources may also be limited.

To improve the overall health score, several interventions could be considered. Recruiting more primary care physicians to the area is essential. Supporting local medical practices in adopting telemedicine technologies and expanding their services is another critical step. Increasing the availability of mental health resources, including promoting mental health awareness and providing access to therapy and counseling services, is crucial. Community initiatives to improve internet access would also be beneficial.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation of the health landscape in Gibbon Glade, PA (15440), reveals a complex picture. The 'Overall Health Score' will be determined by the interplay of various factors, including physician availability, the quality of medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of healthcare in the area and identifying opportunities for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gibbon Glade, PA (15440), including the locations of medical practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore how data visualization can enhance your understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution within this community.