15488, Waltersburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15488, Waltersburg, Pennsylvania is 0 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15488 has some form of health insurance. 78.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.00 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 15488 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15488. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 209 health care providers accessible to residents in 15488, Waltersburg, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Waltersburg, PA (ZIP Code 15488)

Evaluating the overall health landscape within the confines of Waltersburg, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 15488 necessitates a comprehensive assessment beyond simple physician counts. This analysis delves into the nuances of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. We will then synthesize these factors to arrive at an informed "Overall Health Score."

The cornerstone of any healthy community is accessible primary care. In Waltersburg, a rural area, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) serves as a critical indicator of health accessibility. A low number of PCPs, coupled with a dispersed population, can lead to extended wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses and treatment. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. Ideally, a lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) indicates greater access to care. However, in rural areas like Waltersburg, this ratio can be inflated due to physician shortages and the challenges of attracting and retaining medical professionals.

To gauge the actual physician-to-patient ratio, we need to consider the population of 15488, which is relatively small. A quick search indicates a population of around 1,000 residents. Even a small number of primary care doctors could result in a reasonable ratio. However, it's crucial to consider the surrounding areas. Residents may seek care in neighboring towns like Uniontown or Connellsville, which could further impact the ratio and the perceived availability of primary care.

Identifying "standout practices" requires looking beyond simple physician counts. We must assess the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the range of services offered. This involves examining factors such as: Does the practice offer extended hours? Does it accept a wide range of insurance plans? Does it have a good reputation for patient communication and responsiveness? Reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, while not always perfectly representative, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Practices that have embraced technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and online patient portals, are often better positioned to provide efficient and coordinated care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element of the health score. Telemedicine, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual check-ins, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas where transportation can be a barrier. The availability of telemedicine services allows patients to connect with their doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially leading to earlier intervention. The degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the range of services offered and the ease of use for patients, contributes significantly to the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet essential, component of overall health. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is vital for addressing the mental and emotional well-being of the community. In rural areas, access to mental health services can be particularly challenging due to shortages of providers and the stigma associated with mental illness. The availability of mental health services, including the number of providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., telehealth options), must be carefully considered.

Synthesizing these factors – primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources – allows us to formulate an informed "Overall Health Score" for Waltersburg. Based on the limited readily available information, it is difficult to provide a precise score. However, given the rural nature of the area and the potential challenges associated with attracting and retaining medical professionals, it is likely that the overall health score is moderate. The score could be improved by:

* **Increasing the number of primary care physicians:** This is the most direct way to improve access to care.
* **Encouraging telemedicine adoption:** This can significantly expand access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or living far from medical facilities.
* **Improving mental health resources:** This is a critical area for improvement.
* **Promoting patient-centered care:** Practices that prioritize patient communication, responsiveness, and convenience will likely receive higher ratings.

The overall health score is not static. It can change based on community initiatives, healthcare policy changes, and the decisions of healthcare providers.

To gain a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape in Waltersburg, and to understand the geographical distribution of resources and the location of medical practices, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to see the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. This can be particularly helpful in a rural area like Waltersburg, where the distances between facilities can be significant. CartoChrome maps can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to analyze the impact of geographic factors on health outcomes.