17271, Willow Hill, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17271, Willow Hill, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.58 percent of the residents in 17271 has some form of health insurance. 35.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.67 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 17271 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 102 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17271. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 79 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,819 health care providers accessible to residents in 17271, Willow Hill, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17271 and Primary Care Availability in Willow Hill

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 17271, encompassing the Willow Hill area, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, access to primary care, the adoption of telehealth, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. An ideal ratio allows for sufficient time and resources for each patient, facilitating proactive care and preventative measures. In ZIP code 17271, the ratio is assessed by examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists actively practicing within the area, relative to the population. Publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards provides the necessary population figures and physician counts. The resulting ratio is then compared to national and state averages to gauge the relative accessibility of care. A higher-than-average ratio might indicate a shortage of physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and a less personalized healthcare experience. Conversely, a lower-than-average ratio suggests better access.

Primary care availability in Willow Hill, a significant component of 17271, is assessed by examining the distribution and capacity of local practices. Factors considered include the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the types of services offered (e.g., routine checkups, chronic disease management), and the presence of extended hours or weekend appointments. The physical proximity of practices to residents, especially those with limited transportation options, is also crucial. A geographical analysis, plotting the locations of primary care facilities and the distribution of the population, reveals potential "healthcare deserts" where access is limited. This analysis also considers the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve vulnerable populations.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These practices serve as models of effective healthcare delivery. This evaluation considers factors such as patient satisfaction scores (gleaned from publicly available sources like online reviews and patient surveys), the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices demonstrating a commitment to preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education are particularly noteworthy. The integration of care teams, including nurses, medical assistants, and behavioral health specialists, further enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a critical element of modern healthcare. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis assesses the extent to which local practices offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The availability of telehealth services for various specialties, such as mental health and dermatology, is also considered. Practices that actively promote and utilize telehealth are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care options.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The analysis examines the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the ZIP code. The presence of mental health clinics, counseling centers, and support groups is also assessed. The analysis also considers the integration of mental health services into primary care settings, which can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The availability of crisis intervention services and emergency mental health resources is also a key factor.

The overall health score is derived by weighting each of the aforementioned factors based on their relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are each assigned a score, and these scores are combined to produce a final, composite score. This score provides a comprehensive assessment of the health landscape within ZIP code 17271. The interpretation of the score should be contextualized. A high score indicates a robust healthcare system, while a low score suggests areas for improvement.

Areas for improvement might include addressing physician shortages, increasing primary care access, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services. Strategies to address these challenges could include incentivizing physicians to practice in underserved areas, supporting the development of new primary care facilities, providing funding for telemedicine infrastructure, and increasing the availability of mental health professionals. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to achieve meaningful improvements in the overall health score.

The analysis also considers the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to transportation can significantly affect health. The analysis incorporates data on these factors to provide a more nuanced understanding of the health landscape. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to improving overall health outcomes.

The assessment of standout practices also involves a review of their commitment to patient education and preventative care. Practices that actively engage patients in their own healthcare, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, are highly valued. This includes providing educational materials, offering health screenings, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The analysis considers the impact of health literacy on patient outcomes.

Finally, the analysis considers the impact of healthcare policy and regulations on the health landscape. Changes in healthcare policy, such as the Affordable Care Act, can have a significant impact on access to care and the quality of healthcare services. The analysis incorporates data on healthcare policy and regulations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the health landscape.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape of ZIP code 17271 and Willow Hill, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for the interactive exploration of geographic data, enabling users to visualize physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant information. This visual representation can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight opportunities for improvement.