17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.47 percent of the residents in 17090 has some form of health insurance. 40.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.95 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 17090 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,092 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 124 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17090. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 988 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 24,084 health care providers accessible to residents in 17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Shermans Dale, PA (ZIP Code 17090)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within the Shermans Dale, PA (ZIP Code 17090) area requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the presence of doctors. This analysis delves into physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care availability, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas ripe for improvement.

The most immediate concern when assessing healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures are difficult to obtain publicly due to data privacy and constant flux, we can estimate based on available data from the US Census Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and publicly available directories of medical professionals. Shermans Dale, being a primarily rural area, likely faces a challenge common to such locations: a lower density of physicians compared to urban centers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for specialist care, and potentially, a less diverse range of medical expertise readily available. The impact of this ratio is significant, affecting everything from preventative care to the timely treatment of acute illnesses.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of a healthy community. The presence of family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians forms the first line of defense against disease and a crucial point of entry into the healthcare system. Assessing primary care availability involves not just counting the number of providers but also considering factors such as their acceptance of various insurance plans, their office hours, and their ability to accommodate new patients. In Shermans Dale, the availability of primary care is likely influenced by the proximity to larger towns and cities, where more medical practices might be located. This geographic factor can create disparities in access, with residents in more remote areas facing greater challenges in obtaining timely and convenient care.

Identifying standout practices requires a qualitative assessment, going beyond simple numbers. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and considering the practice's commitment to patient-centered care. Practices that actively engage in preventative medicine, offer extended hours, and utilize electronic health records effectively are likely to receive higher marks. The presence of specialized services, such as on-site lab testing or chronic disease management programs, further enhances a practice's value to the community. While specific practice names are not readily available for inclusion in this analysis due to privacy constraints, the overall impression is that Shermans Dale benefits from a dedicated core of medical professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in bridging the healthcare gap, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, offers numerous advantages. It can reduce travel time, improve access to specialists, and provide convenient options for follow-up appointments and consultations. The level of telemedicine adoption among physicians in Shermans Dale is a key indicator of their willingness to embrace innovation and improve patient access. Factors influencing adoption include internet connectivity, physician training, and patient comfort with technology. Practices that offer telehealth options are likely to score higher in terms of overall health.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall well-being, and their availability is crucial in any health assessment. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is often limited in rural areas. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, and exacerbate existing mental health challenges. Assessing the availability of mental health resources in Shermans Dale involves considering the number of providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, sliding-scale fees). The presence of community mental health centers, school-based mental health programs, and partnerships with local organizations can significantly enhance the overall health score.

In conclusion, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for Shermans Dale (ZIP Code 17090) is likely to be influenced by the interplay of several factors. While the presence of dedicated medical professionals is a positive sign, the rural nature of the area presents challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, and access to specialized services. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources are crucial areas for improvement. A comprehensive analysis would require more granular data, including specific practice information and detailed assessments of service availability. However, based on the available information, it is reasonable to suggest that Shermans Dale could benefit from increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, telemedicine adoption, and mental health services. This would contribute to a healthier and more resilient community.

To gain a more precise understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shermans Dale and surrounding areas, including the precise locations of medical facilities, physician specializations, and population demographics, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a dynamic and data-rich visualization of healthcare resources, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community.