17006, Blain, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17006, Blain, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 71.88 percent of the residents in 17006 has some form of health insurance. 29.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.56 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 17006 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 362 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17006. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,792 health care providers accessible to residents in 17006, Blain, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17006 & Primary Care in Blain

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 17006 and the specific context of primary care availability in Blain, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. We need to delve into physician-to-patient ratios, assess the presence of standout medical practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and scrutinize the availability of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in an "Overall Health Score" for each area, providing a comparative understanding of healthcare access and quality.

ZIP Code 17006, encompassing Carlisle, Pennsylvania, presents a more complex picture than the rural setting of Blain. Carlisle, as a larger town, benefits from a greater concentration of healthcare providers, including physicians specializing in various fields. However, this doesn't automatically translate to optimal health outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. While precise figures require access to up-to-date, proprietary data, we can infer general trends. Carlisle likely has a more favorable ratio than Blain, given its population density and economic activity. However, even a seemingly adequate ratio can be misleading. Factors such as insurance acceptance, specialist availability, and patient demographics play significant roles in determining actual access to care.

Standout practices in Carlisle would likely include those affiliated with larger hospital systems, such as UPMC or Penn State Health. These institutions often boast advanced technology, specialized clinics, and a broader range of services. Practices that prioritize patient experience, offer extended hours, and actively engage in community outreach would also likely be considered high-performing. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, accreditation status, and the scope of services offered.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its continued use indicates a shift in healthcare delivery. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are better positioned to serve patients, particularly those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The level of telemedicine adoption in 17006 likely varies across practices, with larger institutions and those serving a younger population often leading the way.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health support groups directly impacts the well-being of the community. Carlisle, being a larger town, probably has a greater concentration of mental health professionals and resources compared to Blain. However, even in Carlisle, access can be a challenge, with long wait times, limited insurance acceptance, and a shortage of specialists. Assessing the availability of mental health services requires examining the number of providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of those services.

Blain, Pennsylvania, presents a different set of challenges. As a rural community, it likely faces significant hurdles in accessing primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Blain is likely significantly less favorable than in Carlisle. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially dispersed population, making it harder to schedule appointments and receive timely care.

Standout primary care practices in Blain, if any exist, would be particularly valuable. These practices would likely be characterized by a strong commitment to community service, a willingness to accept a wide range of insurance plans, and a focus on providing comprehensive care. They might also prioritize patient education and preventative medicine.

Telemedicine adoption in Blain could be particularly beneficial, given the geographical limitations. Virtual consultations could bridge the gap in access to care, allowing residents to connect with physicians remotely. However, the success of telemedicine depends on reliable internet access, which can be a challenge in rural areas.

Mental health resources in Blain are likely limited. Rural communities often face a shortage of mental health professionals, and residents may have to travel significant distances to access care. This lack of resources can have a detrimental impact on the overall health and well-being of the community.

To derive an "Overall Health Score," we need to consider a weighted average of several factors. Physician-to-patient ratio, access to specialist care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the presence of standout practices all contribute to the score. The weights assigned to each factor would depend on their relative importance. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher weight, reflecting its critical impact on access to care.

For ZIP Code 17006, the "Overall Health Score" would likely be moderate to good, reflecting the presence of a reasonable number of providers, the potential for telemedicine adoption, and the availability of some mental health resources. However, the score could be negatively impacted by factors such as insurance limitations, wait times, and the need for greater mental health support.

For Blain, the "Overall Health Score" would likely be lower, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare. The limited number of primary care providers, the potential for transportation barriers, and the scarcity of mental health resources would contribute to a lower score. Efforts to improve access to telemedicine and expand mental health services would be crucial to improving the overall health of the community.

Ultimately, assessing the overall health landscape requires a comprehensive analysis of various factors. The "Overall Health Score" is a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each area.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17006 and the primary care availability in Blain, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide visual representations of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a deeper dive into the intricacies of healthcare access and quality.