16249, Rural Valley, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16249, Rural Valley, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.84 percent of the residents in 16249 has some form of health insurance. 40.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.72 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 16249 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 384 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16249. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 409 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 536 health care providers accessible to residents in 16249, Rural Valley, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Rural Valley, PA (ZIP Code 16249)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on ZIP code 16249, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considers physician-to-patient ratios, explores the adoption of telemedicine, and investigates the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an informed 'Overall Health Score' for the community, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on accessible primary care. In Rural Valley, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Analyzing the current physician-to-patient ratio is essential. This ratio represents the number of patients served by each physician, providing a snapshot of potential access challenges. A high ratio can indicate longer wait times for appointments, limited access to preventative care, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local healthcare providers will be necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 16249 ZIP code. This data will be a primary driver in determining the overall health score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the community is crucial. These practices may excel in patient satisfaction, preventative care initiatives, chronic disease management, or specialized services. Researching patient reviews, examining accreditation status, and evaluating the range of services offered by local practices will help identify those that consistently deliver high-quality care. These practices often serve as models for best practices and can contribute significantly to improving the overall health score.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption within Rural Valley is crucial. This involves assessing the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access to these services for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can contribute positively to the overall health score, especially if they are actively working to overcome barriers to access.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall well-being, and their availability directly impacts the health score. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Rural Valley requires investigation into the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The number of these professionals relative to the population, as well as the accessibility of their services, is a key factor. This includes evaluating wait times for appointments, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of support groups or community mental health programs. The presence of mental health resources, particularly those that are easily accessible and affordable, will significantly improve the overall health score.

To arrive at a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score,' a weighted approach should be used. Each of the factors mentioned above – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care (including standout practices), telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight, as it directly impacts access to care. The presence of mental health resources could also be weighted heavily, given the importance of mental well-being. The overall health score will then be calculated by combining the scores for each factor, weighted by their assigned values.

This analysis will also consider the demographics of Rural Valley. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases will be considered. These factors can influence the healthcare needs of the community and should be taken into account when assessing the overall health score. For example, a community with a higher proportion of elderly residents might require more geriatric care services.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. Data availability can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. The information used in this assessment will be based on the most current and reliable sources available. The 'Overall Health Score' is intended to be a snapshot in time and should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The 'Overall Health Score' will provide a valuable benchmark for the health of the community. It will also help to identify areas where improvements are needed. The score can be used by healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents to advocate for better healthcare services. This could include efforts to recruit more physicians, expand telemedicine services, or increase access to mental health resources.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful way to visualize and analyze geographic data, including the location of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant information.