16417, Girard, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16417, Girard, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.96 percent of the residents in 16417 has some form of health insurance. 39.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.69 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 16417 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,924 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16417. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,726 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 612 health care providers accessible to residents in 16417, Girard, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Girard, PA (ZIP Code 16417)

This analysis assesses the overall health landscape in Girard, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services within the 16417 ZIP code. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the accessibility of mental health resources. This comprehensive evaluation culminates in an "Overall Health Score," reflecting the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

Girard, a small borough in Erie County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting can impact access to specialized medical services, necessitating a robust primary care foundation. The success of the healthcare ecosystem hinges on the availability of general practitioners and family medicine physicians, acting as the first point of contact for residents' health needs.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within a specific ZIP code requires accessing up-to-date, localized data. However, general estimates can be made based on regional and national averages. The national average physician-to-population ratio hovers around 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Rural areas often experience a lower ratio due to factors like physician preference, limited infrastructure, and economic considerations.

Assuming a similar trend in Girard, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely below the national average. This suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians, which could lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased patient loads for existing physicians, and potentially reduced access to preventative care. Further investigation, including contacting local healthcare providers and consulting with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, would be necessary to ascertain the precise ratio and its implications.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors, including patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative technologies. While specific practice names require further research, we can identify characteristics of high-performing primary care providers. These include:

* **Comprehensive Service Offerings:** Practices that offer a wide range of services, from routine checkups and vaccinations to chronic disease management and minor procedures, are more valuable to the community.
* **Patient-Centered Care:** Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, and have a strong focus on preventative care are more likely to foster positive health outcomes.
* **Technological Integration:** Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, and other technologies to streamline operations and improve patient communication are often more efficient and patient-friendly.

To identify standout practices in Girard, a thorough review of online reviews (e.g., Google, Healthgrades), consultation with local community members, and direct contact with healthcare providers would be required.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely using technology, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It offers several advantages, including increased access to care, reduced travel time for patients, and improved efficiency for providers.

The adoption of telemedicine in Girard's primary care practices is a critical factor in assessing the community's overall health score. Practices that offer telehealth options, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, are better positioned to serve their patients, particularly those with mobility issues or those residing in remote areas.

Assessing telemedicine adoption requires investigating whether local practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities for chronic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), and patient portals facilitating communication and access to medical records.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The availability and accessibility of mental health resources significantly impact a community's well-being. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. Therefore, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is crucial.

Evaluating mental health resources in Girard requires assessing the following:

* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do primary care practices offer on-site mental health counseling or have established referral networks with mental health professionals?
* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available in the area?
* **Access to Crisis Support:** Are there readily available crisis hotlines or mental health emergency services in the community?

A comprehensive evaluation of mental health resources would involve researching local mental health providers, contacting community mental health organizations, and assessing the availability of crisis intervention services.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the preliminary analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for primary care availability in Girard (ZIP Code 16417) is likely moderate. While specific data points are needed to arrive at a precise score, the potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio, the importance of telemedicine adoption, and the need for comprehensive mental health services suggest areas for improvement. The presence of standout practices and the integration of innovative technologies could positively impact the score.

To gain a more complete understanding of the healthcare landscape in Girard and other areas, explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing users to identify providers, access information about services, and assess the overall accessibility of care in a specific geographic area.