17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 17044 has some form of health insurance. 44.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.16 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 17044 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,476 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17044. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,943 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,002 health care providers accessible to residents in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

The Overall Health Score analysis for doctors in ZIP Code 17044 and primary care availability in Lewistown presents a complex picture. Assessing healthcare accessibility and quality necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis will delve into various aspects, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. ZIP Code 17044, encompassing Lewistown, Pennsylvania, likely faces challenges common to rural areas. National averages often obscure local realities. A simple count of physicians, without considering specialization, practice types, and patient demographics, is insufficient. Accurate assessment requires data on the number of active primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code, compared to the total population. Furthermore, this ratio needs to be benchmarked against state and national standards to determine if there is a shortage or an adequate supply.

Standout practices often emerge as beacons of quality care. Identifying these practices involves evaluating several criteria. Patient reviews, both online and through surveys, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and overall experience. Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), signifies adherence to established standards of care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education are particularly noteworthy. Specific practices in Lewistown, if they exist, need to be identified and evaluated based on these criteria. This analysis requires a thorough review of available data, including online directories, insurance provider networks, and local healthcare resources.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in areas with limited access to in-person care. The presence of telemedicine services within the ZIP code can significantly improve healthcare accessibility, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining the number of practices offering virtual appointments, the types of services provided through telemedicine (e.g., primary care, specialist consultations, mental health), and the technology platforms utilized. Furthermore, the availability of reliable internet access within the community is crucial for successful telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. Access to mental healthcare is often limited in rural areas. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Lewistown involves identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors practicing within the ZIP code. The presence of mental health clinics, community mental health centers, and behavioral health programs is also important. Evaluating the accessibility of these resources requires considering factors such as appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and the availability of specialized services (e.g., addiction treatment, child and adolescent mental health).

Beyond the numbers, the overall health score is influenced by the demographics of the population. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases all impact healthcare needs. Analyzing these factors provides a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community. For example, a population with a higher proportion of elderly residents may require more geriatric care and support services.

The presence of support services, such as home healthcare agencies, pharmacies, and transportation services, also contributes to the overall health score. These services help patients manage their health conditions and access the care they need. The availability of these resources, along with their accessibility and affordability, must be considered.

Collaboration among healthcare providers is another crucial factor. The presence of integrated healthcare systems, where primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals work together to coordinate patient care, can significantly improve health outcomes. Assessing the level of collaboration involves identifying the extent to which healthcare providers share patient information, coordinate care plans, and participate in joint initiatives.

The role of local hospitals and clinics is also paramount. The quality of care provided by these institutions, as measured by patient outcomes, accreditation status, and patient satisfaction, directly impacts the overall health score. The availability of specialized services, such as emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging, is also important.

Public health initiatives and community programs play a vital role in promoting health and well-being. Assessing the presence of these programs involves identifying initiatives focused on disease prevention, health education, and community outreach. The effectiveness of these programs, as measured by their impact on health outcomes, is also important.

Finally, the overall health score is not static. It is influenced by ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape, including technological advancements, policy changes, and economic factors. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure that the healthcare system is meeting the needs of the community.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for doctors in ZIP Code 17044 and primary care availability in Lewistown is a complex assessment. It requires a comprehensive analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, population demographics, support services, healthcare collaboration, hospital quality, and public health initiatives. While this analysis provides a general framework, the specific details and data points will vary depending on the available information. For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lewistown and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, service availability, and demographic data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps.