17224, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17224, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.82 percent of the residents in 17224 has some form of health insurance. 39.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.60 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 17224 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 215 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17224. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 382 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,696 health care providers accessible to residents in 17224, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Fort Loudon (ZIP Code 17224)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17224) requires a multifaceted approach, examining not only the number of physicians but also the accessibility of care, the integration of modern healthcare practices, and the availability of crucial mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an “Overall Health Score,” considering these factors to paint a comprehensive picture of the community's healthcare ecosystem.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Fort Loudon, this metric requires careful consideration. While pinpointing the exact ratio demands access to real-time, granular data (often proprietary), we can infer general trends. Fort Loudon is a primarily rural area. This suggests a potential challenge in physician distribution. The likelihood of a lower physician-to-patient ratio exists compared to more urbanized regions. This scarcity could translate into longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for residents seeking primary care.

Primary care availability is paramount. It acts as the gateway to the healthcare system, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. The presence of a robust network of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. If PCPs are limited, residents may face difficulties in accessing timely care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. The analysis should investigate the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their specialties, and their geographic distribution within the ZIP code and surrounding areas.

**Standout Practices and Healthcare Delivery Models:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their quality of care, patient satisfaction, and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Key factors include accreditation status, patient reviews, and the implementation of advanced technologies. Practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals often facilitate better communication and care coordination.

Furthermore, the adoption of alternative healthcare models warrants attention. Are there any practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day services? Do any practices participate in value-based care models, which incentivize quality over quantity? These elements contribute to a more patient-centered and accessible healthcare experience.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. It offers a vital bridge to care, reducing geographical barriers and improving access to specialists. The level of telemedicine adoption within Fort Loudon is a critical factor in our overall health score. Are local practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and chronic disease management?

The availability of telemedicine services can significantly impact patient outcomes. It allows residents to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to their daily lives. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations. The analysis needs to ascertain which practices offer telemedicine, the types of services provided, and the technology platforms used.

**Mental Health Resource Availability:**

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health resources within Fort Loudon is a crucial aspect of the overall health score. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Are there adequate mental health professionals to meet the community's needs?

Beyond the number of providers, the analysis should assess the accessibility of mental health services. Are there any barriers to accessing care, such as long wait times, limited insurance coverage, or stigma associated with mental illness? The presence of community-based mental health programs, support groups, and crisis intervention services can significantly improve the mental health landscape. The analysis needs to investigate the availability of these resources and their effectiveness in addressing the mental health needs of the community.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" can be assigned to Fort Loudon (ZIP code 17224). This score would reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in terms of healthcare accessibility, quality, and innovation. A higher score would indicate a more robust and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

The final score should be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement. These might include attracting more primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing the availability of mental health resources. Addressing these areas can significantly enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Fort Loudon.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fort Loudon and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can visually represent physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points. This allows for a spatial analysis of healthcare access and helps identify areas where resources are most needed.