16132, Hillsville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16132, Hillsville, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16132 has some form of health insurance. 50.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.53 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 16132 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16132. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 81 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,976 health care providers accessible to residents in 16132, Hillsville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Hillsville, PA (ZIP Code 16132)

Analyzing the overall health score for the residents of Hillsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16132) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health resources, and the overall landscape of healthcare services within this specific geographical area. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the health environment and identify areas of strength and weakness.

The foundation of a healthy community rests upon the availability of accessible primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio in Hillsville is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to delayed care, longer wait times for appointments, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and a potentially more proactive approach to preventative care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be crucial to determine the specific ratio within 16132. This data, when available, would be the initial metric to evaluate the overall health score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices in Hillsville is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires examining several factors. Patient reviews and ratings on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including satisfaction with communication, wait times, and the overall quality of care provided. Furthermore, the presence of board-certified physicians, accreditation by reputable organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) are indicators of a practice's commitment to quality and efficiency.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important factor. Telemedicine, which includes video consultations, remote monitoring, and secure messaging, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas like Hillsville. It can reduce travel time, improve convenience, and enable patients to connect with specialists regardless of geographical limitations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among primary care physicians in 16132, and the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring for chronic conditions), is crucial. Practices actively embracing telemedicine are likely to contribute to a higher overall health score.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall well-being, and their availability and accessibility are critical for assessing the health score. The presence of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the community is a key indicator. Assessing the availability of mental health services requires evaluating the number of providers, their specialties, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. The existence of community mental health centers, support groups, and crisis intervention services also contributes to a more robust mental health infrastructure.

Further, the integration of primary care and mental health services is highly desirable. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are co-located with primary care physicians, can provide more coordinated and comprehensive care. This integrated approach can lead to earlier detection and treatment of mental health conditions, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.

Other factors to consider in this comprehensive analysis include the availability of specialized medical services (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology), the presence of urgent care facilities, and the proximity to hospitals and emergency services. The existence of community health programs, such as free or low-cost health screenings, vaccination clinics, and health education initiatives, also contributes to a healthier community.

The overall health score for Hillsville (16132) is not a single number but a composite assessment based on all these factors. It's a dynamic measure that can change over time as healthcare services evolve and the needs of the community shift. A high score would indicate a community with readily accessible, high-quality primary care, a robust mental health infrastructure, and a commitment to preventative care and community health initiatives. A low score would highlight areas where access to care is limited, resources are scarce, and improvements are needed.

The final analysis would ideally provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hillsville. It would identify the strengths of the community's healthcare system, as well as the areas that need attention and investment. It would also provide a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.

This analysis would also benefit from comparing the health metrics of Hillsville to those of surrounding communities and the state average. This comparative analysis would provide a benchmark for evaluating the community's performance and identifying areas where Hillsville excels or lags behind.

In conclusion, evaluating the overall health score for Hillsville (16132) is a complex process that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. This analysis underscores the importance of accessible primary care, robust mental health resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the overall quality of healthcare services in promoting a healthy community.