15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15660 has some form of health insurance. 44.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.79 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 15660 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15660. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,584 health care providers accessible to residents in 15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania.

The overall health landscape in and around ZIP code 15660, encompassing the small community of Lowber, Pennsylvania, presents a complex picture. Assessing the health of a community requires looking at numerous factors, ranging from the availability of primary care physicians to the integration of mental health resources and the adoption of innovative healthcare delivery models. This analysis attempts to synthesize these elements, offering an “Overall Health Score” perspective for both the general area and the specific locality of Lowber.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. In the 15660 ZIP code, and by extension Lowber, the ratio is likely a significant factor. The area is largely rural, and this often means a lower density of physicians compared to more urban environments. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to see a doctor, and potentially, a greater reliance on emergency room services for non-emergency conditions. The availability of primary care physicians, in particular, is crucial. These doctors serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. A shortage of primary care physicians can have a cascading effect on the entire healthcare system.

Standout practices within the 15660 ZIP code, if any, would be those that are actively working to overcome the challenges of a rural healthcare environment. This might include practices that prioritize patient education and preventative care, those that offer extended hours or weekend appointments to improve accessibility, or those that have embraced technological solutions to streamline patient communication and care coordination. The specific practices that stand out would depend on their unique approaches to patient care and their ability to meet the needs of the local population.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in bridging the healthcare gap in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The level of telemedicine adoption within the 15660 ZIP code would be a key indicator of the community's ability to leverage technology to improve healthcare access. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to be providing a higher level of care.

Mental health resources are often under-resourced, especially in rural areas. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the community. Assessing the availability of these resources within the 15660 ZIP code would involve examining the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, appointment availability). The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is also an important factor, as it can help to identify and address mental health concerns early on.

In Lowber specifically, the situation is likely compounded by the small size of the community. The availability of healthcare services in Lowber itself is probably limited. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns or cities to access primary care, specialist care, and mental health services. The overall health score for Lowber would, therefore, likely reflect the challenges of a rural healthcare environment, including limited access to care, potential transportation barriers, and the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare accessibility.

The integration of technology into healthcare is a crucial factor. Electronic health records (EHRs) are essential for efficient patient care, allowing doctors to access patient information quickly and easily. Patient portals, which allow patients to communicate with their doctors, schedule appointments, and access their medical records online, are also important. The adoption of these technologies can improve patient engagement and streamline the healthcare process.

The socioeconomic factors of the population also play a role. Low-income communities often face greater health challenges due to factors such as lack of access to healthy food, inadequate housing, and limited access to transportation. Understanding the socioeconomic profile of the 15660 ZIP code is crucial for a comprehensive health assessment.

The overall health score for the 15660 ZIP code, including Lowber, would be a composite score reflecting all of these factors. It would likely be lower than the scores for more urban areas due to the challenges of rural healthcare. However, the specific score would depend on the availability of resources, the adoption of technology, and the efforts of healthcare providers to meet the needs of the community. The score would also be influenced by the socioeconomic characteristics of the population and the presence of any specific health initiatives or programs.

The challenges of rural healthcare are significant, but there are also opportunities for improvement. Investing in primary care, expanding telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and addressing socioeconomic disparities can all contribute to improving the overall health score for the 15660 ZIP code and the community of Lowber.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 15660 ZIP code, including Lowber, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.