17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.97 percent of the residents in 17048 has some form of health insurance. 34.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.28 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 17048 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 988 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17048. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 650 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,112 health care providers accessible to residents in 17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Lykens, PA (ZIP Code 17048)

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Lykens, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 17048 ZIP code, demands a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Ultimately, we aim to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in this community.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Lykens, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Assessing this requires considering the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and their willingness to accept new patients. A limited number of primary care providers can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. This scarcity can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

A key metric in evaluating primary care access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio compares the number of primary care physicians to the total population within the ZIP code. A higher ratio indicates a greater availability of physicians per capita, suggesting better access to care. Conversely, a lower ratio signifies potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving comprehensive medical attention. Publicly available data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, state medical boards, and local healthcare networks must be analyzed to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio in 17048.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices that consistently receive positive patient reviews, offer extended hours, and provide comprehensive services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals, contribute significantly to a community's overall health. Furthermore, practices that actively engage with the community through outreach programs and health education initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving the well-being of their patients.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial component of modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Lykens. Its adoption by local practices can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in remote areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine can expand their reach, provide convenient access to care, and potentially reduce healthcare costs.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall well-being. Evaluating the availability of mental health services in Lykens requires examining the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. This includes assessing the availability of individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management. Furthermore, access to crisis intervention services, such as mental health hotlines and emergency psychiatric care, is essential. A community with robust mental health resources can better address the needs of its residents, promoting mental wellness and preventing crises.

The assessment of the healthcare landscape in 17048 must also consider the presence of support services. These include pharmacies, diagnostic imaging centers, and physical therapy clinics. The availability of these services ensures that patients can access the full spectrum of care within their community. Furthermore, the presence of community health centers and free clinics can help bridge the gap in care for underserved populations.

Based on the analysis of these factors, an 'Overall Health Score' can be assigned to Lykens (17048). This score would reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in terms of primary care access, physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score could be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating a healthier community.

To arrive at this score, a comprehensive data collection process is necessary. This involves gathering information from various sources, including healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations. The data must be analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and disparities in healthcare access and quality.

The final 'Overall Health Score' would serve as a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would provide a clear picture of the community's health landscape, highlighting areas that need improvement and identifying opportunities for investment and development. For residents, the score could help them make informed decisions about their healthcare options. For healthcare providers, it could inform their strategic planning and resource allocation. For policymakers, it could guide the development of healthcare policies and programs.

This analysis is not just about numbers and statistics; it's about the well-being of the people who call Lykens home. By understanding the healthcare landscape, we can work together to create a healthier and more vibrant community. The insights gleaned from this analysis should encourage a proactive approach to healthcare, focusing on improving access, enhancing quality, and promoting overall wellness.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lykens, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to easily identify areas of strength and weakness. They can help you see the distribution of healthcare resources, the location of primary care providers, and the availability of mental health services.