15693, Whitney, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15693, Whitney, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15693 has some form of health insurance. 29.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 15693 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15693. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 91 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,069 health care providers accessible to residents in 15693, Whitney, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Whitney, PA (ZIP Code 15693)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Whitney, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on ZIP code 15693, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians, assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, and examining the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment for residents of this community.

Whitney, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers, potentially impacting the physician-to-patient ratio. Ideally, a lower ratio indicates a greater availability of physicians per capita, leading to easier access to appointments and more personalized care. However, rural areas frequently struggle with physician shortages, forcing residents to travel further for medical attention. This geographical constraint is a significant factor in determining the overall health score.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios in 15693 necessitates accessing data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and potentially private healthcare databases. This data would reveal the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages provides a benchmark for assessing the community's healthcare access. A significantly higher ratio than the state average would negatively impact the overall health score, indicating a potential shortage of primary care providers.

Identifying standout practices within Whitney requires a review of patient reviews, physician ratings, and accreditation information. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding patient satisfaction, quality of care, and appointment availability would contribute positively to the overall health score. Factors such as the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and multilingual staff would further enhance a practice's standing. The presence of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs or preventative care initiatives, would also be considered.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in assessing the health landscape. The ability to access healthcare remotely, through video consultations, phone calls, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access, especially for residents in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score in this category. The availability of telehealth services can mitigate the challenges of geographical distance and transportation limitations, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for residents of Whitney.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. Assessing the availability of mental health services within 15693 involves examining the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The availability of these professionals, along with the presence of mental health support groups and crisis intervention services, directly impacts the overall health score. Communities with limited access to mental healthcare often experience higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment must include an evaluation of the mental health infrastructure within the community.

The specific practices and their offerings within Whitney must be investigated. Are there any family practices with a long-standing presence in the community? Do any practices specialize in geriatric care, given the potential for an aging population? Are there any practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, potentially offering a broader range of services and resources? The answers to these questions will help paint a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape.

The overall health score would be a composite score derived from weighting the various factors discussed. Physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the quality and accessibility of primary care practices would all contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in determining the overall health and well-being of the community.

For instance, a community with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources would likely receive a lower overall health score. Conversely, a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily available mental health services would receive a higher score.

The assessment should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Factors such as income levels, educational attainment, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact the health of a community. While this analysis focuses primarily on healthcare access, acknowledging these broader determinants of health is crucial for a holistic understanding of the community's health status.

Ultimately, the ‘Overall Health Score’ is a snapshot in time, reflecting the current state of healthcare access and availability within Whitney, PA (15693). This assessment should serve as a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, inform healthcare planning, and guide efforts to improve the health and well-being of the community. The goal is to provide a clear and concise evaluation of the healthcare landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and encouraging healthcare providers to continually strive for improvement.

To visualize and analyze this data with greater depth and detail, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a geographical representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to see the distribution of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities within and around Whitney, PA.