15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.26 percent of the residents in 15636 has some form of health insurance. 15.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.35 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 15636 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 988 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15636. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 461 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15636 and Primary Care Availability in Harrison City

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 15636, encompassing the community of Harrison City, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall health score, aiming to provide a clear picture of the healthcare accessibility and quality within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. These doctors serve as the gateway to the healthcare system, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses, increased emergency room visits, and poorer health outcomes. Evaluating the number of practicing primary care physicians within ZIP code 15636 is therefore paramount. Data from reliable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and professional medical directories, is crucial to determine the precise number of available physicians. This number, when compared to the population of Harrison City, allows for the calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio, a key indicator of access to care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a lower ratio indicates a greater availability of primary care physicians. The national average physician-to-patient ratio serves as a benchmark for comparison. If the ratio in 15636 exceeds the national average, it signals a potential shortage, necessitating further investigation into the causes and potential solutions. This could involve examining factors such as the age of the physician population, the presence of specialists who also provide primary care services, and the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by the existing practices is equally important. Identifying standout practices within Harrison City requires a review of patient reviews, ratings, and accreditations. Practices with consistently positive feedback, demonstrating a commitment to patient satisfaction, and possessing accreditations from reputable organizations, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), are indicative of high-quality care. These practices often prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, and provide comprehensive services. Identifying these standout practices can help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare providers and potentially highlight best practices for other providers in the area.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant shift in healthcare delivery. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, has the potential to improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within 15636 involves determining which primary care practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially serve a wider patient base, provide more convenient access to care, and improve patient outcomes. Evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use of the technology, and the patient satisfaction with these services is crucial to understanding the impact of telemedicine on the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health services within 15636 is a critical factor in assessing the health of the community. This involves identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The accessibility of these services, including the availability of appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the provision of crisis intervention services, is also important. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site therapists or the ability to refer patients to mental health specialists, can significantly improve the coordination of care and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 15636 and primary care availability in Harrison City is a composite metric that considers all the factors discussed above. This score is not simply a number but a reflection of the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of healthcare services within the community. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to this score. A high score indicates a healthy community with good access to quality healthcare, while a low score signals potential challenges and areas for improvement.

Improving the overall health score requires a collaborative effort. Local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies must work together to address any identified shortcomings. This could involve recruiting more primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Regular monitoring of the health score and the underlying metrics is essential to track progress and ensure that the community's healthcare needs are being met.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Harrison City and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. These tools provide a comprehensive view of healthcare resources, allowing you to explore physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points.