17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.50 percent of the residents in 17252 has some form of health insurance. 31.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.28 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 17252 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,158 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17252. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 415 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,456 health care providers accessible to residents in 17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17252 & Primary Care Availability in Saint Thomas

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for medical professionals within ZIP code 17252, encompassing Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the availability of primary care services within the same geographic area. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, examines telemedicine adoption rates, and assesses the availability of mental health resources. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial for residents seeking quality healthcare and for policymakers striving to improve community health outcomes.

Evaluating the healthcare landscape begins with assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a fundamental understanding of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential strain on existing healthcare providers. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access and potentially improved health outcomes. Data analysis, incorporating publicly available sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is required to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 17252. This data, combined with information on the types of physicians practicing in the area (e.g., primary care, specialists), paints a more complete picture of healthcare access.

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding the quality of care available. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and the adoption of innovative healthcare practices. Practices that consistently receive high patient satisfaction ratings, as indicated by online reviews and surveys, are often indicative of a positive patient experience. Furthermore, analyzing clinical outcomes, such as rates of chronic disease management and preventative care screenings, provides insights into the effectiveness of the care provided. Practices that have embraced technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, often demonstrate a commitment to improving efficiency and patient engagement. The presence of nationally recognized accreditations or certifications, such as those from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can also be a sign of quality.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in evaluating healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can significantly improve access to care by reducing geographical barriers and offering convenient options for patients. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine services within 17252 involves examining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., primary care, specialist consultations, mental health counseling), and the ease of access to these services. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care models are better positioned to serve a wider patient population and improve health outcomes.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of overall health and well-being. Assessing the mental health landscape within 17252 involves evaluating the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other mental health professionals. It also involves examining the presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and other community resources. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is particularly important, as it allows for early detection and intervention. Furthermore, the availability of mental health services that accept various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, is critical for ensuring access for all residents.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of a healthy community. This assessment focuses on the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) within Saint Thomas. It considers the number of PCPs practicing in the area, their office hours, and their acceptance of new patients. Analyzing the geographic distribution of PCPs, as well as the availability of urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics, is also important. Furthermore, the presence of patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), which emphasize coordinated and comprehensive care, can be a positive indicator of primary care quality.

The overall health score for doctors in 17252 and primary care availability in Saint Thomas is a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of all the factors discussed above. It is not a static score but rather a dynamic assessment that can change over time, reflecting improvements or declines in healthcare access and quality. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment, characterized by adequate physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, robust mental health resources, and readily available primary care services.

To accurately determine the overall health score, a comprehensive data analysis is required. This involves gathering data from various sources, including government agencies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient feedback platforms. The data is then analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and correlations. The final score is determined by weighting the various factors based on their relative importance and impact on health outcomes.

The assessment of the healthcare landscape in 17252 and Saint Thomas is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring and evaluation are necessary to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that residents have access to high-quality healthcare. This analysis is a starting point for understanding the healthcare environment and can be used to inform decision-making by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 17252, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, access to care, and other relevant data, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and promoting a healthier community.