16245, Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16245, Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.72 percent of the residents in 16245 has some form of health insurance. 36.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.70 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 16245 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 64 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16245. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 58 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 872 health care providers accessible to residents in 16245, Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Oak Ridge, PA (ZIP Code 16245)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 16245 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates examining the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence and quality of specialized healthcare services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis will provide a comprehensive overview, aiming to identify strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

One of the most critical factors influencing health outcomes is the availability of primary care physicians. In Oak Ridge, the density of primary care providers directly impacts access to preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall health maintenance. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, often leads to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a favorable ratio indicates a more accessible healthcare system. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio for 16245 necessitates gathering data from various sources, including local hospitals, clinics, and physician directories. This data would then be compared to national and state averages to gauge the relative adequacy of primary care availability in Oak Ridge.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and reputation of existing primary care practices are paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., in-house lab testing, chronic disease management programs), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination. Patient reviews, gathered from online platforms and community feedback, offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including factors like wait times, staff friendliness, and the overall quality of care. Furthermore, accreditation status, such as those granted by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), serves as an indicator of a practice's commitment to quality and patient safety.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant trend in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Oak Ridge. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the telemedicine landscape in 16245 involves identifying which primary care practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available via telemedicine (e.g., follow-up visits, medication management), and the ease of use of the technology for both patients and providers. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a crucial factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial for addressing the growing prevalence of mental health conditions. Assessing the mental health landscape in 16245 requires determining the number of mental health professionals practicing within the ZIP code or nearby areas, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, appointment availability). Furthermore, the presence of community-based mental health programs and support networks can significantly enhance the overall mental well-being of residents.

The analysis should also consider the presence of specialized healthcare services within or near the 16245 ZIP code. This includes access to specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists, and endocrinologists. The availability of these specialists reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care, improving overall health outcomes. The existence of nearby hospitals and urgent care facilities also plays a crucial role in the health score, providing immediate access to emergency care and addressing urgent medical needs.

To obtain a complete picture, it is necessary to examine the demographic characteristics of the population residing in 16245. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) can significantly influence healthcare needs and the demand for specific services. Understanding the specific health challenges faced by the community allows for a more targeted assessment of healthcare resources and the identification of areas requiring improvement.

Gathering all the necessary data involves several steps. This begins with a thorough search of publicly available resources, including online physician directories, hospital websites, and government health data portals. Direct contact with local healthcare providers, through surveys or interviews, can provide valuable insights into their practices, services, and patient experiences. Analyzing patient feedback through online reviews and community forums can also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The final overall health score will be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. The score would be derived from a weighted average of the individual components, such as physician-to-patient ratio, quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The weighting of each component should be based on its relative importance in influencing overall health outcomes. The score would then be compared to benchmarks, such as state and national averages, to provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare system in Oak Ridge.

The analysis will also highlight any disparities in healthcare access or quality within the community. For instance, it is important to identify any geographical barriers to care, such as the lack of transportation options for patients living in remote areas. The analysis should also identify any gaps in services, such as a shortage of mental health providers or a lack of specialized care options.

Ultimately, the overall health score analysis for 16245 aims to provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape in Oak Ridge. It should identify strengths and weaknesses, highlighting areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed. This information can then be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and community health initiatives.

For a more detailed, visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Oak Ridge, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, access to care, and other relevant factors, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful visual tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.