16143, Pulaski, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16143, Pulaski, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.05 percent of the residents in 16143 has some form of health insurance. 43.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.99 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 16143 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 253 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16143. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 502 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,653 health care providers accessible to residents in 16143, Pulaski, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Pulaski, PA (ZIP Code 16143)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 16143, encompassing the borough of Pulaski, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the raw numbers of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility of services, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, considering various factors that contribute to the well-being of Pulaski residents.

One of the primary metrics to evaluate is the physician-to-patient ratio. This figure provides a crucial snapshot of accessibility. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can indicate potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments. Conversely, a high ratio generally suggests greater access to care. While precise, up-to-the-minute physician counts are dynamic and difficult to obtain without proprietary data, public sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can offer estimates and comparisons to state and national averages. An analysis will need to compare the physician-to-patient ratio in 16143 to these benchmarks to gauge its relative strength.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care offered by the available physicians is paramount. This includes assessing the range of specialties available, the experience and credentials of the practitioners, and the patient satisfaction levels. Examining the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of specialists beyond primary care, and the adoption of evidence-based practices are critical indicators of quality. Patient reviews, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in individual practices. Publicly available data from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer insights into the quality of care provided by specific practices.

Assessing primary care availability is central to this analysis. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the gatekeepers of healthcare, providing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating referrals to specialists. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the overall health score. Factors to consider include the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are they concentrated in one area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Pulaski?

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in the modern healthcare landscape. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, especially in rural areas like Pulaski, by expanding access to care, reducing travel time, and improving convenience. Examining the extent to which local practices offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, will be a key component of the analysis. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to score higher in terms of accessibility and patient convenience.

Mental health resources are often underrepresented in healthcare assessments, but are critically important. Mental health is intertwined with physical health, and access to mental healthcare services is essential for overall well-being. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the Pulaski area. It should also consider the availability of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and the integration of mental healthcare into primary care settings. The presence of these resources will significantly impact the overall health score.

Standout practices within the ZIP code should be identified. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in specific areas, such as patient satisfaction, quality of care, or innovative service delivery models. Identifying these practices can provide valuable insights into best practices and highlight potential areas for improvement within the broader healthcare ecosystem of Pulaski. This could involve recognizing practices that have embraced telemedicine, have a high patient satisfaction rating, or have implemented innovative care coordination programs.

The infrastructure supporting healthcare delivery is also important. The availability of diagnostic services, such as imaging and laboratory testing, is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. The presence of local hospitals, urgent care centers, and pharmacies also contributes to the overall health score. The analysis should assess the accessibility of these essential services and their proximity to residents of Pulaski.

Another factor to consider is the demographic makeup of the population. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases within the community can influence healthcare needs and access. Analyzing these demographic factors can provide a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare challenges and opportunities within Pulaski.

Ultimately, the 'Overall Health Score' for Pulaski (16143) will be a composite measure, incorporating all of the factors discussed above. It will reflect the availability, quality, accessibility, and integration of healthcare services within the community. A high score will indicate a robust and accessible healthcare system, while a low score will highlight areas that require improvement. This score is not a static number; it is a dynamic measure that can change over time as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide detailed, interactive maps that overlay healthcare data, allowing for an in-depth exploration of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant factors. This visual representation can help identify areas of strength and weakness, ultimately contributing to a more informed assessment of the 'Overall Health Score' for Pulaski.