16730, East Smethport, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16730, East Smethport, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16730 has some form of health insurance. 15.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.20 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 16730 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16730. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 394 health care providers accessible to residents in 16730, East Smethport, Pennsylvania.

The overall health score for residents of East Smethport, Pennsylvania, specifically those within the 16730 ZIP code, presents a complex picture. Assessing the health landscape requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors from physician availability to the integration of modern healthcare technologies. This analysis provides an in-depth look at the current state, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. In East Smethport, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) appears to be a significant concern. Rural areas often face challenges attracting and retaining medical professionals, leading to a shortage of PCPs. This scarcity can result in longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased reliance on emergency room services for non-emergency medical issues. The precise physician-to-patient ratio for 16730 requires current data, but anecdotal evidence and general trends suggest it is likely below the national average, potentially impacting the overall health score negatively.

Identifying standout practices within the community is crucial. These practices often serve as models for quality care and innovative service delivery. While specific practice names and performance metrics are unavailable without direct access to data, examining the presence of patient-centered medical homes, those that emphasize coordinated, comprehensive care, would be a valuable step. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, demonstrate high patient satisfaction scores, and embrace technology to enhance patient communication and care coordination would likely be considered exemplary.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and overcoming geographical barriers. The extent of telemedicine adoption in 16730 is a key factor in the overall health score. Practices that offer telehealth services for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management are contributing positively to patient care. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine adoption suggests a missed opportunity to improve access and convenience, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are another critical component of overall health. Access to mental healthcare services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, is often limited in rural communities. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the 16730 ZIP code is essential. The presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers would be positive indicators. A lack of mental health resources, or long wait times to access them, would significantly detract from the overall health score.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine also impacts the overall health score. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) by local practices is now standard, but the degree to which these systems are utilized to improve patient care varies. Practices that use EHRs to facilitate patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers electronically, are demonstrating a commitment to patient engagement and improved health outcomes. The presence of health information exchanges, which allow for the secure sharing of patient information among different healthcare providers, also contributes positively to care coordination and efficiency.

Preventative care is a cornerstone of good health. The availability of services such as annual check-ups, screenings for common diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease), and vaccinations is critical. Assessing the extent to which local practices emphasize preventative care, and the rates at which patients in the 16730 ZIP code receive these services, is crucial. Low rates of preventative care would negatively impact the overall health score, indicating a need for increased patient education and outreach efforts.

Social determinants of health also play a significant role. These factors, including socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, housing stability, and environmental conditions, can significantly impact health outcomes. Assessing the prevalence of these factors within the 16730 ZIP code, and the availability of community resources to address them, is important. For example, the presence of food banks, affordable housing options, and access to safe recreational spaces can positively influence the overall health score.

The overall health score for residents of the 16730 ZIP code is likely moderate, with areas of strength and weakness. The scarcity of primary care physicians, potential limitations in mental health resources, and possible challenges related to social determinants of health likely present the most significant challenges. The degree of telemedicine adoption and the presence of standout practices offering high-quality, patient-centered care represent potential strengths.

The overall health score is not a static measure. It is influenced by a dynamic interplay of factors, including healthcare access, quality of care, and the social and economic conditions of the community. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to identify areas for improvement and ensure that residents of East Smethport have access to the healthcare services they need to live healthy lives.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in East Smethport and surrounding areas, including detailed maps of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a valuable resource for visualizing healthcare access and identifying areas where resources are most needed.