16920, Elkland, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 16920, Elkland, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.23 percent of the residents in 16920 has some form of health insurance. 49.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.11 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 16920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 391 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16920. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 476 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 855 health care providers accessible to residents in 16920, Elkland, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Elkland, PA (ZIP Code 16920)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Elkland, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16920) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the presence of doctors. This analysis delves into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an "Overall Health Score" for the community.

Elkland, a small borough in Tioga County, faces unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting often translates to limited resources compared to more urban areas. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

A fundamental aspect of healthcare access is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio provides a crucial metric. While specific, publicly available data for Elkland alone might be limited, data from Tioga County, and even Pennsylvania, can be used to extrapolate. A higher physician-to-patient ratio (meaning fewer doctors per capita) indicates potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and consistent care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and preventative care, impacting overall health outcomes.

Researching the number of PCPs practicing within the 16920 ZIP code is essential. This includes family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners. Furthermore, the availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often provide primary care services, should be factored in. Analyzing the appointment wait times for these providers is also critical. Longer wait times suggest higher demand and potentially limited access.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. This includes the practice's reputation within the community, patient satisfaction scores (if available), the range of services offered, and the use of technology. Are practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient care and improve communication? Are they accredited by recognized healthcare organizations?

Researching local hospitals and clinics, such as UPMC Wellsboro, and their affiliated practices, will provide insights. Examining online reviews, while not always definitive, can offer valuable perspectives on patient experiences. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer a wide range of services, and demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement are likely to be considered "standout."

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Elkland can significantly impact access to care. Does the community have access to telehealth appointments for primary care, specialist consultations, and mental health services?

Investigating the telemedicine capabilities of local practices is critical. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the ease of use of the technology, and the types of services offered via telehealth. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access, reduce travel burdens, and potentially lower healthcare costs.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is a crucial component of overall health. The availability of mental health resources in Elkland is a significant factor in the overall health score. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors.

Assessing the availability of mental health services involves determining the number of providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services. Are there long wait times for appointments? Are there options for low-cost or subsidized mental health care? The presence of support groups and community mental health programs also contribute to the overall score.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Synthesizing the information gathered on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources allows for the creation of an "Overall Health Score" for Elkland (16920). This score would reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in healthcare access and quality.

A high score would indicate a community with readily available primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, reputable practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. A lower score would indicate potential challenges in these areas, requiring further investigation and intervention.

The specific methodology for calculating the score would involve assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, though all factors are important. The final score would be a composite number reflecting the overall health of the community.

The analysis highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to evaluating healthcare access and quality. It underscores the need to consider not only the presence of doctors but also the availability of services, the use of technology, and the support systems available to the community.

To gain a deeper, more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Elkland and other areas, consider exploring the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare resources, demographics, and other relevant data, allowing for a more informed and nuanced understanding of the community's health.