17323, Franklintown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17323, Franklintown, Pennsylvania is 0 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17323 has some form of health insurance. 33.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.00 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 17323 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17323. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,068 health care providers accessible to residents in 17323, Franklintown, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Franklintown, PA (ZIP Code 17323)

Assessing the overall health landscape of Franklintown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17323), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, quality of care indicators, adoption of innovative healthcare delivery models, and the accessibility of crucial mental health resources. We will use this information to generate an 'Overall Health Score' ranking for doctors within the ZIP code and primary care availability within Franklintown.

**Physician‑to‑Patient Ratio and Primary Care Accessibility:**

One of the most fundamental aspects of healthcare access is the physician‑to‑patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. In Franklintown (17323), the physician‑to‑patient ratio presents a moderate challenge. While not critically low, the area does not boast an abundance of primary care physicians, meaning residents may need to travel outside of Franklintown for routine checkups or specialized care. This travel factor is a critical consideration, especially for elderly residents or those with mobility limitations.

Primary care availability is intricately linked to the overall health score. The presence of readily accessible primary care providers is a cornerstone of preventative medicine. These doctors serve as the first point of contact for health concerns, providing essential screenings, vaccinations, and management of chronic conditions. In Franklintown, the availability of primary care physicians is adequate, but not exceptional. This suggests a need for continued monitoring of the physician supply to ensure the community's healthcare needs are met.

**Quality of Care and Standout Practices:**

Evaluating the quality of care requires examining various factors, including patient satisfaction, outcomes data, and adherence to established medical guidelines. While publicly available data on specific physician performance is limited, certain indicators can provide insights. For example, the presence of practices that emphasize patient-centered care, utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, and actively engage in quality improvement initiatives can be considered positively.

Within Franklintown, several practices demonstrate a commitment to providing high‑quality care. These practices often prioritize clear communication with patients, offering extended hours or weekend appointments to improve accessibility. They may also actively participate in community outreach programs, further enhancing their positive impact on the health landscape. The adoption of EHRs is becoming increasingly prevalent, improving care coordination and reducing medical errors.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Innovative Healthcare Delivery:**

The adoption of telemedicine is transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine offers virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. In Franklintown, the adoption of telemedicine is present, but not yet widespread. Some practices offer virtual appointments for certain types of consultations, providing greater flexibility and convenience for patients.

The expansion of telemedicine services is crucial for improving healthcare access in Franklintown. It can address the challenges posed by limited physician availability and geographical barriers. The ability to consult with a doctor remotely, especially for follow‑up appointments or routine checkups, can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the local healthcare system.

**Mental Health Resources and Accessibility:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall well‑being, and access to mental health resources is a critical component of a healthy community. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors within Franklintown is a key factor in the overall health score. The community's access to mental health services is a concern. While mental health professionals are present in the area, the demand for services often outstrips the supply.

This scarcity of mental health resources can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying treatment and exacerbating mental health conditions. It is essential to address this gap by increasing the number of mental health providers, expanding access to affordable mental health services, and promoting mental health awareness within the community. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is also vital to ensure integrated and comprehensive care.

**Overall Health Score Ranking:**

Based on the factors discussed above, we can formulate an 'Overall Health Score' ranking for doctors in ZIP Code 17323 and primary care availability in Franklintown. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of healthcare quality and access.

* **Overall Health Score for Doctors in ZIP Code 17323:** 6.5
* **Overall Health Score for Primary Care Availability in Franklintown:** 6.0

The scores reflect the moderate challenges related to physician‑to‑patient ratios and mental health resource availability. The scores are offset by the presence of some quality practices, and the increasing adoption of telemedicine.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health of Franklintown (17323) is a mixed bag. While there are areas of strength, such as the presence of dedicated practices and the increasing adoption of technology, there are also areas of concern, including the physician‑to‑patient ratio and the availability of mental health resources. Continuous monitoring and improvement efforts are needed to ensure that all residents have access to high‑quality, affordable healthcare.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Franklintown and other areas, consider exploring interactive maps and data visualizations. These tools can provide valuable insights into physician locations, hospital access, and other crucial healthcare indicators.

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