15687, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15687, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.58 percent of the residents in 15687 has some form of health insurance. 42.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.91 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 15687 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 192 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15687. 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 2,718 health care providers accessible to residents in 15687, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Stahlstown, PA (ZIP Code 15687)

Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Laurel Highlands, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Assessing the overall health score for the area, specifically focusing on primary care availability and the quality of doctors practicing within ZIP code 15687, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment in Stahlstown.

One of the primary indicators of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the number of physicians available to serve a given population. While specific data for Stahlstown alone might be difficult to obtain due to its relatively small size, analyzing county-level data (Westmoreland County) offers a valuable proxy. Westmoreland County, like many rural areas, often faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention. This can result in a higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to more urbanized regions. The impact translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially reduced access to preventative care, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of the available primary care physicians are crucial. Identifying standout practices in Stahlstown involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the qualifications of the physicians. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback from patients, offer comprehensive primary care services (including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and acute care), and employ board-certified physicians generally contribute to a higher overall health score. It is important to note that the specific practices within Stahlstown can vary, and the analysis must consider the local landscape, including the presence of any affiliated hospital systems or larger medical groups.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can hinder access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialist care. Evaluating the level of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in Stahlstown is a key element of the health score analysis. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to contribute to a higher overall score. This is particularly relevant for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking convenient follow-up care.

Mental health resources are another critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, significantly impacts the well-being of the community. Assessing the availability of mental health providers in Stahlstown involves examining the presence of therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health clinics. The analysis should also consider the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage, wait times, and the availability of specialized services, such as addiction treatment or support groups. A community with robust mental health resources generally indicates a healthier population.

Further analysis should consider the presence of specialized care within the area. While primary care forms the foundation of healthcare, access to specialists is crucial for managing complex medical conditions. The presence of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, or dermatologists, within a reasonable distance from Stahlstown contributes to a higher overall health score. This can be assessed by examining the proximity to hospitals and medical centers that offer specialized services.

Another important factor to consider is the demographics of the population in Stahlstown. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases can all influence the healthcare needs of the community. Understanding these demographic factors helps to tailor the analysis and identify specific healthcare challenges. For example, an aging population might require more geriatric care, while a community with a high prevalence of diabetes might benefit from increased access to diabetes management programs.

The overall health score for Stahlstown, therefore, is a composite measure reflecting the interplay of all these factors. It is not a single number but rather a nuanced assessment that considers the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. A high score would indicate a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a strong presence of quality primary care practices, a high level of telemedicine adoption, robust mental health resources, and access to specialized care. Conversely, a lower score would suggest challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes for the residents of Stahlstown.

Finally, assessing the health score requires a dynamic approach. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging regularly. Therefore, the analysis should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and ensure that the overall health score accurately represents the current state of healthcare in Stahlstown.

This analysis, while providing a general overview, can be further enriched by utilizing interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of healthcare providers, the location of mental health resources, and other relevant data points. This allows for a more comprehensive and easily understood assessment of the healthcare environment in Stahlstown.