17322, Felton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 17322 has some form of health insurance. 31.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.48 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 17322 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,176 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17322. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 905 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,606 health care providers accessible to residents in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania.

The evaluation of overall health in Felton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17322) necessitates a multifaceted approach, examining not just the presence of healthcare providers, but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of services. This analysis provides an ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within the designated area. This score is not a single number, but rather a composite understanding based on available data and observations.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a fundamental indicator of access. While precise, real-time figures fluctuate, publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and similar sources offer valuable insights. A high physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, typically signifies potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and consistent care. Analyzing data from the HRSA and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can estimate the existing ratio. This would involve identifying the number of licensed primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 17322 ZIP code and comparing it to the population of Felton. The resulting ratio would then be compared against state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care. A lower ratio would indicate better access, while a higher ratio would suggest a potential need for increased physician recruitment or alternative care models.

Primary care availability extends beyond the raw number of physicians. The operational hours of practices, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance accepted all play a significant role. Practices with extended hours, including evening and weekend appointments, improve accessibility for working individuals. The acceptance of a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and various private insurance providers, is critical to ensuring that healthcare is affordable and accessible to the entire community. Practices that actively recruit new patients demonstrate a commitment to serving the growing population. Information on these factors can be gathered through online directories, practice websites, and direct inquiries.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. Reputation, patient reviews, and the adoption of innovative practices are all important considerations. Practices with consistently positive reviews from patients often indicate a high level of patient satisfaction and quality of care. The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can streamline communication and improve care coordination. Practices that participate in value-based care models, which focus on outcomes and preventative care, are often considered to be leading the way in healthcare delivery. Further, the presence of on-site laboratory services, radiology, or other specialized care offerings can enhance convenience and reduce the need for patients to travel to multiple locations.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can improve access to care for patients who have difficulty traveling to a doctor's office. This includes video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and the use of mobile health applications. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Felton's primary care practices can be assessed by examining practice websites and by contacting practices directly. Practices that offer telemedicine services are likely to score higher in this category, as they demonstrate a commitment to improving access to care.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of mental health services within the 17322 ZIP code is a critical factor in this assessment. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and other mental health professionals. Access to mental health services can be evaluated by examining the number of providers in the area, the types of services offered, and the acceptance of insurance. Additionally, the presence of community-based mental health programs, such as support groups and crisis intervention services, can significantly enhance the overall health score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also an important factor, as it can improve the coordination of care and ensure that patients receive the support they need.

The overall health score for Felton, PA, is therefore a complex evaluation. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor, but it is not the only one. The physician-to-patient ratio, the operational hours of practices, the acceptance of new patients, and the adoption of telemedicine all play a role. The availability of mental health resources is also an essential component. The assessment must consider the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered, and the acceptance of insurance. The integration of these factors, along with patient satisfaction data and the adoption of innovative practices, will determine the overall health score. This score will reflect the accessibility, quality, and integration of healthcare services in Felton, PA.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Felton, PA, and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize geographic data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of mental health resources. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.