17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.27 percent of the residents in 17723 has some form of health insurance. 36.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.16 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 17723 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 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17723. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 585 health care providers accessible to residents in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania.

The overall health score analysis for physicians in ZIP code 17723 and primary care availability in Cammal, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating various factors, from the raw number of doctors to the breadth of services offered and the accessibility of care. The aim is to provide a comprehensive picture of the health landscape, offering insights into strengths and weaknesses within this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In ZIP code 17723, which encompasses the town of Cammal, the ratio directly impacts the ability of residents to secure timely appointments and ongoing care. A low ratio, meaning a small number of physicians serving a large population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a high ratio suggests greater availability and potentially better health outcomes. The precise ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the zip code, as well as the total population served. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau are essential for this calculation.

The availability of primary care in Cammal is a critical component of the overall health score. Primary care serves as the cornerstone of preventative medicine, chronic disease management, and overall well-being. The presence of PCPs, including family doctors, internal medicine specialists, and potentially, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, directly influences the health of the community. Assessing availability involves not just counting the number of providers but also considering factors such as their hours of operation, acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance they accept. Rural areas often face challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, making this assessment particularly important.

Standout practices within the area can significantly elevate the overall health score. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative service delivery, and a commitment to community health. Identifying such practices requires a deeper dive into their operations. This includes examining patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing their adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and assessing their adoption of technology. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments, and a patient-centered approach are likely to be considered standout performers. Furthermore, those actively involved in community outreach and health education programs contribute positively to the overall health landscape.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in the health score analysis. Telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to care by reducing the need for travel, connecting patients with specialists, and facilitating remote monitoring of chronic conditions. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered remotely (e.g., consultations, follow-up appointments, mental health therapy), and the ease of use for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and made it readily accessible to their patients are likely to contribute positively to the health score.

Mental health resources are an integral part of the overall health picture. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial for addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of the community. Assessing mental health resources involves evaluating the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times, availability of telehealth options). A community with robust mental health resources will generally have a higher overall health score.

The evaluation of these factors requires a systematic approach. Gathering data from various sources, including healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government agencies, is essential. The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population, such as age, income, and ethnicity, as these factors can influence health needs and access to care. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be beneficial in visualizing the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas with limited access.

The final overall health score should be a composite measure, reflecting the combined impact of all the assessed factors. It should provide a clear and concise picture of the health landscape in ZIP code 17723 and the availability of primary care in Cammal. The score can be used to identify areas for improvement, guide resource allocation, and inform community health initiatives. It's important to remember that the health score is not a static measure; it should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The analysis also necessitates considering the unique challenges faced by rural communities. These challenges include limited access to specialists, transportation barriers, and the potential for social isolation. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. Strategies such as mobile health clinics, telehealth programs, and community health worker initiatives can help to improve access to care and address health disparities.

In addition to the factors already discussed, the analysis should also consider the quality of care provided. This involves assessing the adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the use of patient safety protocols, and the patient experience. Data on these factors can be obtained from patient satisfaction surveys, quality improvement initiatives, and healthcare accreditation organizations. Practices that prioritize quality of care are likely to contribute positively to the overall health score.

The analysis also benefits from considering the social determinants of health. These are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income, education, housing, and access to healthy food. Addressing these factors is essential for improving the overall health of the community. This requires collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations to address social needs and promote health equity.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive and insightful assessment of the health landscape in ZIP code 17723 and the availability of primary care in Cammal. The insights gained can be used to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and promote the overall well-being of the community.

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