16865, Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16865, Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.70 percent of the residents in 16865 has some form of health insurance. 46.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.29 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 16865 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 103 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16865. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 390 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 872 health care providers accessible to residents in 16865, Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Pennsylvania Furnace (16865)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the residents of Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16865), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians and related healthcare resources. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pennsylvania Furnace.

The foundation of any healthy community rests upon accessible primary care. In Pennsylvania Furnace, the geographic isolation and relatively small population present both challenges and opportunities in this regard. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, the rural nature of the area suggests a potential for higher patient loads per physician compared to more urbanized regions. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time for each patient during consultations.

To accurately determine the physician-to-patient ratio, data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local healthcare providers would be required. This data should include the number of practicing primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners) within a reasonable radius of Pennsylvania Furnace, the total population served, and the average patient load per physician. This analysis is currently limited by a lack of specific, up-to-the-minute data.

Identifying standout practices is essential to understanding the quality of care available. Practices that demonstrate excellence often exhibit characteristics like patient-centered care models, comprehensive services, and a commitment to preventative medicine. These practices may employ registered nurses, medical assistants, and other support staff to enhance the patient experience. They may also have advanced technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs), that allows for better coordination of care.

Researching practices in and around 16865 requires examining online reviews, patient testimonials, and information from healthcare directories. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores, demonstrated success in managing chronic conditions, and a strong focus on preventative care would be considered standout examples. These practices may also participate in community outreach programs, further demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of the residents.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, which can be especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or limited access to specialists. The availability of telemedicine services in Pennsylvania Furnace could significantly improve access to primary care, specialist consultations, and mental health support.

Evaluating telemedicine adoption requires examining which primary care practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management, mental health counseling), and the technological infrastructure available to support these services. The presence of reliable internet connectivity in the area is also a critical factor. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care models are likely to provide a more accessible and convenient healthcare experience for their patients.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of overall health. Mental health issues are prevalent in all communities, and access to timely and effective mental health care is essential. Assessing mental health resources in Pennsylvania Furnace requires examining the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors in the area.

This includes assessing the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services. This also includes the presence of support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships with local organizations. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices can also enhance access to care.

The overall health score for Pennsylvania Furnace, based on the factors discussed, would likely be impacted by the rural nature of the area. Physician-to-patient ratios may be less favorable than in more populated areas. However, standout practices could mitigate some of these challenges by providing high-quality care and embracing innovative approaches like telemedicine. The availability of mental health resources is another crucial factor in determining the overall health score.

To improve the overall health score, Pennsylvania Furnace could benefit from initiatives that address the challenges of rural healthcare. These initiatives might include incentivizing physicians to practice in rural areas, expanding telemedicine infrastructure, and increasing access to mental health services. Community partnerships, telehealth initiatives, and the recruitment of healthcare professionals are vital.

Understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources is essential for effective planning and resource allocation. CartoChrome maps can visualize this data, providing a clear picture of healthcare access in Pennsylvania Furnace and surrounding areas. These maps can display the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, mental health providers, and other healthcare facilities. They can also highlight areas with limited access to care, enabling policymakers and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about resource allocation and service delivery.

CartoChrome maps can also be used to analyze patient demographics, transportation routes, and other factors that impact healthcare access. By visualizing this data, CartoChrome maps can help to identify disparities in healthcare access and develop targeted interventions to address these disparities. They can also be used to track the impact of healthcare initiatives over time, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of these initiatives.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in Pennsylvania Furnace and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. They provide a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare data and making informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.