15849, Penfield, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 15849, Penfield, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.84 percent of the residents in 15849 has some form of health insurance. 49.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.91 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 15849 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 261 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15849. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 301 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,621 health care providers accessible to residents in 15849, Penfield, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Penfield, PA (ZIP Code 15849)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Penfield, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15849) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial to community well-being, including primary care physician availability, the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies. We'll explore these elements to arrive at an "Overall Health Score" assessment, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

One of the fundamental indicators of community health is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio for Penfield requires accessing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. However, based on publicly available information and general trends in rural areas, it's likely that Penfield faces challenges in this area. Rural communities often experience a shortage of physicians, particularly primary care doctors, due to factors like lower salaries, fewer professional opportunities for spouses, and the desire for urban amenities. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses and treatment. The overall score will reflect the likelihood of this issue.

The availability of primary care physicians is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare. Regular check-ups, screenings, and management of chronic conditions are best facilitated through a strong primary care network. To assess this in Penfield, we need to investigate the number of family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code or in close proximity. We'll also need to consider the capacity of these practices – how many patients they can realistically serve. A low number of primary care physicians, coupled with a high patient-to-physician ratio, would negatively impact the overall health score.

Beyond physician numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the reputation of local practices, patient satisfaction scores (if available), and the range of services offered. Are there specialists available locally, or do patients need to travel to larger cities like DuBois or Clearfield for specialized care? The presence of accredited hospitals and clinics, along with their performance metrics, will be factored into the evaluation. The existence of a robust referral network, enabling seamless transitions between primary care and specialist services, is also crucial.

Modern healthcare necessitates embracing technological advancements. Telemedicine, in particular, has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, will be a significant positive factor in the overall health score. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and communication will also receive favorable consideration.

Mental health resources are an increasingly critical component of overall well-being. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health counselors within the community is essential. Assessing the accessibility of these services, including insurance acceptance, wait times, and the presence of support groups or community mental health programs, is vital. A lack of mental health resources, or limited access to them, would significantly detract from the overall health score, reflecting a potential vulnerability in the community's health infrastructure.

Standout practices, if any, will significantly influence the overall score. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, innovative service delivery, and community outreach deserve recognition. This could include practices that offer extended hours, accept a wide range of insurance plans, or actively participate in community health initiatives. Identifying and highlighting these exemplary practices can serve as a model for improvement and encourage other providers to enhance their services.

Considering all these factors, we can begin to formulate an estimated "Overall Health Score" for Penfield, PA (15849). Given the likelihood of a rural setting, the score is likely to be moderate, with potential weaknesses in physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. The score will be positively influenced by any adoption of telemedicine and the presence of robust mental health resources. The score will reflect the challenges and opportunities that the community faces in providing comprehensive healthcare to its residents.

To further refine this analysis, we would need access to specific, up-to-date data on physician counts, patient demographics, practice performance metrics, and mental health service availability. This information is often proprietary and requires specialized data sources. However, even without this granular data, we can make a reasoned assessment based on general trends and available public information.

The final "Overall Health Score" will be a reflection of the community's capacity to provide accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive healthcare services. It will highlight areas of strength, as well as areas that require attention and improvement. This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Penfield and identifying opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of its residents.

To gain a more visual and detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Penfield, PA, and other areas, consider exploring the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of healthcare resources, allowing you to visualize physician locations, hospital proximity, and other critical health-related data.