17774, Unityville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17774, Unityville, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.69 percent of the residents in 17774 has some form of health insurance. 44.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.40 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 17774 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 236 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17774. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 249 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,274 health care providers accessible to residents in 17774, Unityville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Unityville, PA (ZIP Code 17774)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the community of Unityville, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 17774. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, examines telemedicine adoption, and assesses the availability of mental health resources. This is not a definitive medical evaluation, but a community health landscape overview.

The foundation of any health score rests on the accessibility of primary care physicians. In Unityville, a rural community, the physician-to-patient ratio likely presents a significant challenge. National averages often mask the realities of rural healthcare. A limited number of physicians, coupled with an aging population and potential for longer travel distances, can create a situation where timely access to care is compromised. This impacts preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall community well-being. Researching the exact ratio requires accessing local health department data or potentially contacting healthcare providers directly, but the rural context suggests a score that could be negatively affected by this factor.

Standout practices in Unityville would be those that proactively address the challenges of rural healthcare. This includes practices that have successfully recruited and retained qualified physicians. They might be offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or integrated services. A clinic that offers a wide array of services under one roof, such as basic lab work, pharmacy services, and specialist referrals, would also be a significant asset. The presence of a practice that actively engages in community outreach, offering health education programs or participating in local health fairs, is another indicator of a strong, proactive approach to community health. Identifying these practices requires local knowledge and investigation into the specific offerings of healthcare providers in the area.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in bridging the healthcare gap in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialist care. A high adoption rate of telemedicine in Unityville would positively impact the overall health score. This includes practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and access to online patient portals. The availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation, and this must be considered when evaluating the impact of telemedicine in this specific location.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, directly impacts the community's well-being. A low availability of these resources can lead to untreated mental health conditions, impacting physical health and quality of life. The presence of mental health services within the primary care setting, such as integrated behavioral health specialists, is a significant advantage. Additionally, the availability of community-based mental health programs, support groups, and crisis intervention services contributes to a more robust mental health infrastructure. Assessing this requires researching local behavioral health providers and community resources.

The overall health score for Unityville, PA, ZIP code 17774, is likely to be influenced by the interplay of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with limited access to specialists and mental health resources, would negatively impact the score. Practices that are actively embracing telemedicine and providing comprehensive services can mitigate some of these challenges. The community's overall health score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's ability to access and utilize healthcare services effectively.

To further enhance the understanding of the health landscape in Unityville, a detailed analysis of specific practices and their service offerings is necessary. Researching the availability of specific specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and neurologists, is crucial. Investigating the availability of specialized services for children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions is also important. Data regarding the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, within the community provides additional insights into the specific healthcare needs of the population.

The quality of care provided by primary care physicians is another critical factor. This includes the physician's experience, training, and commitment to patient-centered care. The use of electronic health records, patient satisfaction scores, and the practice's participation in quality improvement initiatives are all indicators of the quality of care. Assessing the availability of health insurance coverage and the affordability of healthcare services is also essential. The cost of healthcare can be a significant barrier to access, particularly for low-income individuals and families.

The community's health score can also be influenced by social determinants of health. These factors include income, education, housing, and access to healthy food. Communities with higher levels of poverty, lower educational attainment, and limited access to resources may experience poorer health outcomes. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for improving the overall health of the community.

Finally, understanding the community's health score is not just about identifying problems; it is also about recognizing strengths and opportunities. This includes identifying successful programs and initiatives that are already in place and exploring ways to build upon them. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential for creating a healthier community.

For a comprehensive visualization of the healthcare landscape in Unityville, and to explore the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and community resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the health disparities and challenges facing the community.