17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.54 percent of the residents in 17702 has some form of health insurance. 37.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.88 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 17702 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17702. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,098 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,270 health care providers accessible to residents in 17702, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Williamsport, PA (ZIP Code 17702)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Williamsport, Pennsylvania area, specifically focusing on ZIP code 17702. The evaluation considers various factors impacting healthcare access and quality, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this region.

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

A crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Williamsport (17702), this ratio can fluctuate, and it is essential to understand the specific numbers. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding Lycoming County, alongside the population demographics. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and accessing primary care services.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of a healthy community. It is the first point of contact for most healthcare needs. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the types of insurance plans accepted. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and community clinics can play a vital role in improving access, particularly for underserved populations. These facilities often offer sliding-scale fees and cater to a broader range of insurance options.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within Williamsport is critical. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative service delivery, and community engagement. The analysis should consider factors such as patient satisfaction scores (gleaned from surveys and online reviews), the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination, and the implementation of patient-centered medical home models.

Furthermore, the practices' specializations and the range of services offered are important. Do they offer extended hours? Do they provide on-site lab services or other diagnostic capabilities? The presence of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, within the area, or readily accessible through referral networks, also influences the overall health score. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as health screenings and educational initiatives, also contribute positively to the overall assessment.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Williamsport, in recent years. The analysis must assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among local practices. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments for routine check-ups, follow-up consultations, and chronic disease management.

The types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, secure messaging) and their ease of use for both patients and providers are important considerations. The availability of remote patient monitoring technologies, such as devices that track blood pressure or blood glucose levels, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care delivery models are likely to demonstrate improved patient access and convenience.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health resources within Williamsport and the surrounding area. This includes assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors practicing in the region.

The presence of mental health clinics, counseling centers, and support groups is important. The analysis should also consider the accessibility of these resources, including wait times for appointments, insurance coverage, and the availability of services for specific populations (e.g., children, adolescents, veterans). The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as the co-location of therapists, can improve access and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare. The presence of crisis intervention services and emergency mental health support is also a key factor.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

The overall health score for Williamsport (17702) is a composite of all the factors discussed above. It is not a single number but rather a nuanced assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. A high score would indicate good physician-to-patient ratios, readily available primary care, innovative practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and comprehensive mental health resources. A lower score would suggest challenges in these areas, potentially leading to limited access to care and poorer health outcomes.

This analysis has highlighted the key elements to consider when evaluating the health of a community. The information presented can be used by residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance the health and well-being of the Williamsport community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Williamsport, including the locations of physicians, practices, and resources, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides detailed, map-based insights into healthcare access and availability, helping you to better understand the healthcare options in your area.