17364, Thomasville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17364, Thomasville, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.11 percent of the residents in 17364 has some form of health insurance. 36.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.42 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 17364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 881 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17364. An estimate of 54 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 640 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,734 health care providers accessible to residents in 17364, Thomasville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Thomasville, PA (ZIP Code 17364)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Thomasville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17364) requires a multifaceted approach, considering the availability of primary care physicians, their practices, the integration of technology like telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' based on these key factors, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

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

A fundamental indicator of community health is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio for Thomasville requires accessing publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, based on national averages and the population size of Thomasville, it's reasonable to assume a potential challenge. Rural areas often face physician shortages, and this could be a significant factor affecting the 'Overall Health Score'. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the score.

Primary care availability is directly linked to this ratio. Are there enough general practitioners, family doctors, and internal medicine specialists to meet the community's needs? Are appointments readily available, or are wait times excessively long? The ease of access to primary care is critical for preventative care, early diagnosis, and the overall management of chronic conditions. Limited access would severely diminish the 'Overall Health Score'.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. Reputation, as reflected in patient reviews and testimonials, is important. Practices with consistently positive feedback, highlighting attentive care, clear communication, and effective treatment, would contribute positively to the score.

Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission, indicates a commitment to quality and safety standards. Practices holding such accreditations would receive a higher rating.

The range of services offered is another consideration. Does the practice provide comprehensive care, including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals? Practices offering a wider array of services, minimizing the need for patients to travel elsewhere for their healthcare needs, would improve the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration:**

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly crucial, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring would receive a boost to their score.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine is also important. Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient care and improve communication? Do they offer online portals for patients to access their medical information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers? Practices embracing technology to enhance patient experience and improve efficiency would contribute positively to the 'Overall Health Score'.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in this analysis. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors in the area is essential. A community with a robust mental health infrastructure would receive a higher score.

The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also a significant advantage. This allows for early detection and treatment of mental health issues, improving outcomes. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would be favorably rated.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups, community mental health programs, and crisis intervention services would enhance the 'Overall Health Score'. A community that prioritizes mental health and provides accessible resources for individuals struggling with mental illness would be considered healthier.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed, the 'Overall Health Score' for Thomasville, PA (ZIP code 17364) is subject to the data available. However, the initial assessment suggests that the score could be improved. Addressing potential physician shortages, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and strengthening mental health resources are key areas for improvement.

The availability of primary care physicians and the physician-to-patient ratio are likely to be crucial factors. The quality of care provided by existing practices, as determined by patient reviews, accreditations, and the range of services offered, will also significantly influence the score. The integration of technology, including telemedicine and electronic health records, will contribute to the overall health score. Finally, the accessibility and comprehensiveness of mental health resources will play a crucial role in determining the overall health score.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Thomasville, PA, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for analyzing geographic data, allowing you to visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and the availability of various healthcare services. This will enable you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.