17745, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17745, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.64 percent of the residents in 17745 has some form of health insurance. 38.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.88 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 17745 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17745. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,098 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 684 health care providers accessible to residents in 17745, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17745 and Primary Care Availability in Lock Haven**

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 17745, encompassing the city of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. Lock Haven, a relatively small city, presents both opportunities and challenges in this regard. While the presence of UPMC Susquehanna Lock Haven Hospital offers a significant healthcare hub, the distribution of primary care providers throughout the ZIP code area needs careful examination. The concentration of physicians in specific areas, potentially near the hospital, could lead to underserved populations in more remote or less accessible parts of the city.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased stress on existing healthcare professionals. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for ZIP code 17745 requires gathering data on the total number of primary care physicians practicing within the area and comparing it to the total population. Publicly available resources, such as data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, are essential for this calculation. The analysis must also consider the age demographics of the population, as older populations often require more frequent medical attention.

Identifying standout medical practices is vital. These practices often serve as models for quality care and innovation. Factors to consider include patient satisfaction ratings, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), the range of services offered (e.g., internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics), and the presence of specialized programs. Practices that actively participate in community outreach, offer extended hours, or provide multilingual services should be recognized for their commitment to patient care. Further, the integration of a patient portal or online appointment scheduling systems indicates a commitment to patient convenience and modern healthcare practices.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Lock Haven. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely through video consultations, remote monitoring, and online health education. The availability of telemedicine services from primary care physicians in ZIP code 17745 should be assessed. This includes the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication management), the ease of use of the technology, and the accessibility of these services to patients with limited internet access or technological literacy. The presence of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the ZIP code. The presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups should be considered. Additionally, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is a positive indicator. This can facilitate early detection and treatment of mental health issues. The analysis should also consider the availability of crisis intervention services and resources for substance abuse treatment, as these are often interconnected with mental health.

Analyzing the overall health score requires a synthesis of the above factors. The score should reflect the balance between the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with ample access to quality care, while a low score would highlight areas needing improvement.

A detailed analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. These include poverty levels, education levels, access to healthy food, and the availability of safe housing. These factors can significantly impact a community's overall health, and their inclusion provides a more holistic view.

The analysis should also identify any disparities in healthcare access. Are certain populations, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, or residents of geographically isolated areas, facing greater challenges in accessing care? Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents of Lock Haven.

The final ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment should be presented in a clear and concise manner, summarizing the key findings and highlighting areas of strength and weakness. Recommendations for improvement should be provided, such as strategies to increase the number of primary care physicians, promote telemedicine adoption, expand mental health services, and address socioeconomic disparities. The report should be easily understandable by the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Ultimately, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for ZIP code 17745 is a dynamic measure that requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Regular updates and assessments are necessary to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and ensure that the healthcare system is meeting the evolving needs of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lock Haven and surrounding areas, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment, aiding in the identification of gaps in care and informing strategic planning.