16151, Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16151, Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16151 has some form of health insurance. 23.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 16151 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 22 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16151. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,354 health care providers accessible to residents in 16151, Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Sheakleyville (16151)

Assessing the overall health landscape within the Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16151) area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive evaluation aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Sheakleyville, being a relatively small community, likely faces challenges in this area. The exact number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code is critical. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide this data. However, the data's currency and accuracy are paramount. A lack of recent updates can skew the assessment.

Once the number of physicians is established, calculating the physician-to-patient ratio becomes essential. This ratio, often expressed as the number of residents per physician, provides a crucial indicator of access. A higher ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care. National averages for physician-to-patient ratios can serve as benchmarks. Comparing Sheakleyville's ratio to state and national figures will help determine whether the community is underserved or adequately served.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and reputation of existing practices are significant. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, accreditations, and the range of services offered. Practices with positive patient experiences, recognized for quality of care by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), or offering a wide array of services (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative care) contribute positively to the overall health score. This requires research into the practices within the ZIP code, examining their websites, and, where possible, analyzing patient feedback.

Telemedicine adoption represents a modern facet of healthcare access. Practices embracing telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, enhance convenience and broaden access, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in geographically isolated areas. The extent of telemedicine integration within Sheakleyville's primary care landscape needs investigation. Are local physicians utilizing telehealth platforms? Are they offering virtual appointments? The answers influence the community's ability to leverage technology for improved healthcare access.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the community is critical. Assessing this requires identifying local mental health providers, examining their capacity to accept new patients, and evaluating the availability of support groups or community mental health programs. A scarcity of mental health resources would negatively impact the overall health score, highlighting a critical need for improvement.

The geographic isolation of Sheakleyville could present challenges in healthcare access. Rural communities often face difficulties attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, limited specialist availability, and a reliance on traveling to larger urban centers for certain medical needs. This geographic factor must be considered when assessing the overall health score.

To arrive at a final "Overall Health Score," a weighted approach is necessary. The physician-to-patient ratio should carry significant weight, reflecting its fundamental impact on access. The presence of standout practices and the adoption of telemedicine should also be weighted, recognizing their contributions to quality and convenience. The availability of mental health resources deserves a substantial weighting, acknowledging its importance for overall well-being. The final score should reflect a holistic view of the community's healthcare environment.

For Sheakleyville (16151), the "Overall Health Score" is likely influenced by the community's size and rural location. The score will depend on the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of quality practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A low score may indicate a need for initiatives to attract more physicians, promote telemedicine, and increase mental health services. A high score would reflect a community with good access to quality healthcare.

To obtain the data needed for a comprehensive analysis, resources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the CMS, and publicly available physician directories are essential. Patient review websites and practice websites can provide insights into the quality of care and the services offered. Local community organizations and healthcare providers may also offer valuable information.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" for Sheakleyville (16151) is a dynamic measure, influenced by various factors. Regular assessment and monitoring are crucial to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that the community has access to the healthcare resources it needs to thrive. The ability to visualize and analyze this data geographically is critical.

To truly understand the health landscape of Sheakleyville and other communities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful way to visualize healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access, understand the distribution of healthcare resources, and gain a deeper understanding of the overall health environment. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps today.