17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.61 percent of the residents in 17223 has some form of health insurance. 40.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.55 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 17223 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 64 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17223. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 31 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,341 health care providers accessible to residents in 17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17223 and Primary Care Availability in Fort Littleton

Evaluating the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 17223, which encompasses the town of Fort Littleton, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the accessibility of primary care. In Fort Littleton, this is a crucial area of investigation. While the precise number of primary care physicians practicing within the specific ZIP Code needs direct verification, the surrounding areas and the overall population density of Fort Littleton suggest a potential challenge. The town is relatively rural, and this often translates to a lower concentration of medical professionals compared to more urban centers.

Physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially compromised quality of care due to increased workloads, and reduced opportunities for preventative care. Assessing this ratio requires data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards, cross-referenced with local physician directories. A low ratio, on the other hand, suggests better access, allowing physicians to dedicate more time to individual patient needs.

Identifying standout medical practices is essential. These practices often serve as benchmarks for quality of care, patient satisfaction, and innovation. Factors to consider include patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., from the Joint Commission), the range of services offered (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management), and the adoption of technology. Specific practices within the 17223 ZIP Code would need to be researched to determine their strengths and weaknesses, with particular attention paid to patient feedback.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to specialists and primary care physicians remotely. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration within the Fort Littleton healthcare system involves assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring, and the acceptance of telehealth by local physicians and patients. Widespread telemedicine adoption can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Fort Littleton requires investigating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The analysis should also consider the availability of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships between primary care physicians and mental health professionals. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is particularly beneficial, as it facilitates early detection and treatment of mental health issues.

Analyzing these components allows for the formulation of an "Overall Health Score." This score would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weights would reflect the relative importance of each factor in contributing to overall health and well-being. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, although telemedicine's impact is growing. The final score would be expressed numerically, with a corresponding qualitative description (e.g., "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," "Poor").

The score would be further contextualized by comparing the healthcare landscape of Fort Littleton to regional and national benchmarks. This comparison would highlight areas where Fort Littleton excels and areas where improvements are needed. It could also identify best practices from other communities that could be adopted locally.

The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population within the 17223 ZIP Code. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases can significantly influence healthcare needs and utilization. Tailoring healthcare services to the specific needs of the community is critical for improving health outcomes.

Furthermore, any assessment of the healthcare landscape must acknowledge the impact of external factors, such as healthcare policy changes, insurance coverage rates, and the availability of public health programs. These factors can significantly influence access to care and the overall health of the community.

The final "Overall Health Score" analysis should also include recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might focus on increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving access to mental health resources, or promoting preventative care initiatives. The recommendations should be specific, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of the Fort Littleton community.

A thorough assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17223 is a complex undertaking, requiring data from various sources and a nuanced understanding of the local community. The "Overall Health Score" analysis provides a valuable framework for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, promoting the health and well-being of the residents of Fort Littleton. This analysis can be a living document, updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and the evolving needs of the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources in Fort Littleton and the surrounding areas, including the locations of doctors, hospitals, and other medical facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers detailed, interactive maps that can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare services, aiding in a more informed assessment of the overall health landscape.