17532, Holtwood, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17532, Holtwood, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.36 percent of the residents in 17532 has some form of health insurance. 23.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.83 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 17532 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,005 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17532. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 435 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,129 health care providers accessible to residents in 17532, Holtwood, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Holtwood, PA (ZIP Code 17532)

Analyzing the overall health landscape of Holtwood, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17532) requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating various aspects of healthcare access, quality, and availability. This analysis provides an ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This score isn't a simple number, but a holistic understanding of the community's health infrastructure.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In rural areas like Holtwood, this ratio often presents a challenge. Determining the exact ratio requires data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and potentially local healthcare providers. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and overall decreased access to timely medical attention. The analysis must determine if the current ratio meets the needs of the community. If the ratio is unfavorable, the report should explore the underlying causes, such as physician shortages, geographic isolation, and the potential for attracting new medical professionals.

Identifying standout medical practices involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, quality ratings from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and the range of services offered. Are there practices within the 17532 ZIP code that consistently receive high marks for patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes? Do these practices offer a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, preventative screenings, and chronic disease management? The analysis should highlight any practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas, acknowledging their positive impact on the community's health. Conversely, the analysis should identify any gaps in service, such as a lack of specialized care or limited access to certain medical technologies.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, especially in rural communities where geographical barriers can hinder access to care. The analysis should assess the extent to which local healthcare providers utilize telemedicine platforms. Do they offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, or online prescription refills? Telemedicine can bridge the gap between patients and providers, improving access to care, reducing travel time, and enhancing convenience. The analysis should also consider the barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as limited internet access, lack of digital literacy among patients, and the need for provider training.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the 17532 ZIP code. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available to address the mental health needs of the community? Are there support groups or community mental health programs? The analysis should also consider the accessibility of these resources, including factors like insurance coverage, cost, and wait times for appointments. Addressing mental health needs is essential for the well-being of the community. The analysis should highlight any efforts to improve mental health services and identify any unmet needs.

The ‘Overall Health Score’ for Holtwood, PA (17532) is complex, depending on the data. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a community with good access to care, high-quality providers, and robust mental health services. A low score would suggest challenges in these areas, requiring targeted interventions to improve the community's health. The score should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population, such as age, socioeconomic status, and chronic disease prevalence. These factors can influence healthcare needs and resource allocation.

To improve the ‘Overall Health Score’, several strategies can be considered. Recruiting and retaining physicians, particularly primary care physicians, is crucial. This can involve offering financial incentives, providing loan repayment programs, and creating a supportive practice environment. Expanding telemedicine services can also improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas. Promoting digital literacy among patients and providing training for healthcare providers can facilitate telemedicine adoption. Investing in mental health resources is essential. This can involve increasing the number of mental health providers, expanding access to mental health services in schools and community settings, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

The analysis should also consider the social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthy food. These factors can significantly impact health outcomes. Addressing these social determinants is essential for improving the overall health of the community. This may involve partnerships with community organizations, schools, and local government agencies. The analysis should also assess the effectiveness of existing healthcare programs and identify areas for improvement. This can involve conducting patient surveys, analyzing health outcomes data, and engaging with community stakeholders.

In conclusion, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for Holtwood, PA (17532) reflects the complex interplay of healthcare access, quality, and availability. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the community's health landscape, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Holtwood and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome.