15690, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15690, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.43 percent of the residents in 15690 has some form of health insurance. 47.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.58 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 15690 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,963 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15690. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,805 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,761 health care providers accessible to residents in 15690, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Vandergrift, PA (ZIP Code 15690)

Analyzing the overall health score for Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the presence of doctors. This analysis delves into physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource accessibility, ultimately painting a picture of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 15690. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive overview, acknowledging the inherent complexities of evaluating healthcare access and quality.

The cornerstone of any health score assessment is the availability of primary care physicians. Vandergrift, a small borough in Westmoreland County, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a potential shortage of primary care doctors. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau must be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed care and potentially poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, the age and specialization of available physicians are important considerations. An aging physician workforce might impact long-term accessibility, and a lack of specialized care within the primary care setting could necessitate travel to larger medical centers.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. This involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., Joint Commission), and the range of services offered. Practices known for their patient-centered care, comprehensive services, and positive patient outcomes would contribute positively to the overall health score. Researching the specific services offered by each practice, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals, is paramount. Practices that actively participate in community health initiatives and focus on patient education also contribute to a higher overall health score.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical aspect of modern healthcare, particularly in areas with potential access limitations. Assessing the extent to which practices in Vandergrift utilize telemedicine services is vital. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive follow-up care, and manage chronic conditions more effectively. Practices that offer telehealth appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals would receive higher marks in this area. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine utilization.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, directly impacts the community's well-being. Evaluating the presence of these resources within Vandergrift, or readily accessible nearby, is essential. This includes assessing the availability of outpatient mental health services, inpatient psychiatric care, and support groups. Examining the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also important, as this can improve access and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The presence of crisis intervention services and suicide prevention resources further contributes to a positive mental health score.

Beyond the direct availability of healthcare providers, other factors influence the overall health score. These include the presence of community health programs, access to healthy food options, and the availability of transportation to medical appointments. Initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, such as exercise programs and nutrition education, positively impact the community's health. The presence of pharmacies, urgent care centers, and hospitals in the surrounding area also contribute to the overall accessibility of healthcare services.

The quality of care provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities in the surrounding area also impacts the health score. Assessing factors like patient satisfaction scores, readmission rates, and the availability of specialized services helps determine the overall quality of care available to residents of Vandergrift. Furthermore, the integration of healthcare services, such as the ability of primary care physicians to easily refer patients to specialists, plays a role in the overall health score.

Data collection for this analysis requires a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data from government agencies, healthcare provider directories, and patient review websites must be compiled. Direct contact with local healthcare providers and community organizations may be necessary to gather specific information about services offered, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This data must be analyzed to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Vandergrift.

The final overall health score should reflect the balance of these factors. A high score indicates a community with readily accessible, high-quality healthcare services, including primary care physicians, mental health resources, and telemedicine options. A lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing care, which may require targeted interventions to improve the health and well-being of the community.

This analysis is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular reassessment, incorporating updated data and reflecting changes in healthcare delivery models, is necessary to maintain an accurate understanding of the health score. The ongoing efforts of healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government are critical to improving the health and well-being of the residents of Vandergrift.

To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and demographic data within Vandergrift and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, providing a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.