15739, Ernest, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15739, Ernest, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.80 percent of the residents in 15739 has some form of health insurance. 52.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.86 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 15739 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 88 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15739. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 74 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,462 health care providers accessible to residents in 15739, Ernest, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Ernest, PA (ZIP Code 15739)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Ernest, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 15739 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including physician availability, healthcare resource accessibility, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any healthy community is access to primary care physicians. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio within the 15739 ZIP code is crucial. This ratio provides a direct measure of the availability of doctors relative to the population. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access and potentially better health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing specific data from state licensing boards and healthcare databases, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This data is essential to accurately assess the current state of primary care availability in Ernest.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the 15739 ZIP code involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, and the adoption of advanced technologies. Practices that consistently receive positive patient feedback, offer comprehensive services (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized consultations), and embrace technological advancements are likely to be the most beneficial for the community. Information regarding these practices can be gathered through online reviews, patient surveys, and direct contact with local healthcare providers.

The integration of telemedicine is another significant factor in evaluating the health score. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas like Ernest. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians, receive diagnoses, and manage chronic conditions without the need for physical travel. The adoption rate of telemedicine among local healthcare providers within the 15739 ZIP code is a key indicator of the community's ability to leverage technology to improve healthcare access. Assessing this requires identifying which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the patient utilization rates.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability and accessibility of mental health services within the 15739 ZIP code are vital to assessing the health score. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health support groups. Evaluating the availability of these resources involves identifying the number of providers, their specialties, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the wait times for appointments. Furthermore, the presence of community-based mental health programs, such as support groups and outreach initiatives, also contributes to the overall health score.

The assessment of the overall health score also considers the presence of other healthcare services, such as specialists (cardiologists, endocrinologists, etc.), pharmacies, and urgent care facilities. The availability of these services within a reasonable distance from Ernest is important for ensuring that residents have access to a full range of healthcare options. The location and accessibility of these services are crucial factors in evaluating the overall health score.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population within the 15739 ZIP code. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases can significantly impact healthcare needs and resource allocation. Understanding the specific health challenges faced by the community is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

The overall health score for Ernest, PA (15739) is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that needs to be updated regularly. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging. Regular updates are essential to ensure that the health score accurately reflects the current state of the healthcare ecosystem.

To arrive at a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’, all these factors need to be considered and weighted appropriately. The final score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system within the 15739 ZIP code. A higher score would indicate a healthier community with good access to care, while a lower score would highlight areas that require improvement.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the health landscape in Ernest, PA. It emphasizes the need for a data-driven approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. By understanding these factors, we can gain a clearer picture of the health of the community and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ernest, PA, including the locations of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant services, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual aid for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in access.