15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.11 percent of the residents in 15736 has some form of health insurance. 51.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.82 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 15736 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 43 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15736. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 115 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,391 health care providers accessible to residents in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Elderton, PA (ZIP Code 15736)

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Elderton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15736) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician availability, healthcare access, and the presence of supporting resources. This analysis will provide an "Overall Health Score," a qualitative assessment reflecting the community's health prospects.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Elderton, a primarily rural area, this ratio is likely to be a significant factor in the overall health score. Researching the actual physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. If the ratio is unfavorable, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, it will negatively impact the score. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, decreased preventative care, and potential challenges in managing chronic conditions.

Primary care availability extends beyond just the number of physicians. The geographic distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. Are they clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Elderton underserved? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) can mitigate some of the challenges of a low physician-to-patient ratio by providing affordable care to underserved populations. The presence or absence of these facilities will be factored into the overall health score.

**Standout Practices and Healthcare Quality:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors beyond just the number of physicians. This includes the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs), offer online patient portals, and demonstrate strong patient outcomes will positively influence the score. Assessing patient reviews, ratings on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, and accreditations from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) provides insights into the quality of care.

The presence of specialists, while not directly related to primary care availability, contributes to the overall health score. Easy access to specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, is essential for managing complex medical conditions. If residents need to travel long distances to see specialists, it will negatively impact the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. Practices offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online consultations will receive a higher score. This is especially important in a rural area like Elderton, where travel can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare.

**Mental Health Resources and Community Support:**

Mental health is a crucial component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is a key factor in the health score. The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and programs addressing substance abuse will positively impact the score. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, allowing for a more holistic approach to patient care, is also highly valued. The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help; therefore, community initiatives promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma will improve the score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, an "Overall Health Score" for Elderton (ZIP Code 15736) can be qualitatively assessed. This score would be determined by weighting each factor based on its importance. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care access might receive the highest weight. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources would also be significant factors. The final score would reflect the overall health prospects of the community.

**Factors to Consider for a Higher Score:**

To improve the score, Elderton needs to focus on several key areas. Attracting more primary care physicians to the area is paramount. Encouraging existing practices to adopt telemedicine technologies can improve access. Expanding mental health resources and integrating them into primary care settings is crucial. Promoting community awareness of health issues and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help will also contribute to a higher score.

**Conclusion:**

Elderton's health landscape, like any rural community, faces unique challenges. While this analysis provides a general overview, a deeper investigation is required for a more precise assessment. This involves gathering specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential to accurately gauge the community's health prospects.

**Call to Action:**

For a detailed, visual representation of Elderton's healthcare landscape, including physician locations, access points, and demographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, allowing for a more informed understanding of the community's health challenges and opportunities.