The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.18 percent of the residents in 17814 has some form of health insurance. 41.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.61 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 17814 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 913 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17814. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,178 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,257 health care providers accessible to residents in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania
Overall Health Score | 17 |
---|---|
People Score | 28 |
Provider Score | 26 |
Hospital Score | 41 |
Travel Score | 44 |
17814 | Benton | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 735.62 | 98,016.66 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 4,289.10 | 568,270.14 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 3,030.56 | 398,455.01 | 0.00 |
## Overall Health Score Analysis: Benton, PA (ZIP Code 17814)
Assessing the overall health landscape in Benton, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 17814 ZIP code, necessitates a multi-faceted analysis. This evaluation considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' reflecting the community's access to and quality of healthcare. This analysis will not produce a numerical score but rather a qualitative assessment.
The foundation of any healthy community is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Benton, understanding the availability of PCPs is paramount. This involves not just the number of physicians practicing within the ZIP code but also their capacity to accept new patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater ease of access. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local healthcare directories are vital for determining this ratio.
Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs is crucial. Are the existing physicians clustered in a single location, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in different areas of Benton? This spatial analysis is essential to understand the true accessibility of primary care. Factors like transportation options, including public transit and the availability of ride-sharing services, also influence access, especially for elderly residents or those without personal vehicles.
Identifying standout practices within the 17814 ZIP code is another key component of this analysis. These practices often distinguish themselves through factors like patient satisfaction scores, accreditations from recognized medical organizations, and the utilization of advanced technologies. Practices that consistently receive positive reviews, demonstrate commitment to preventative care, and offer a wide range of services are likely to be considered standout. Examining patient testimonials, professional recognitions, and the range of services offered helps to differentiate between ordinary and exceptional practices.
Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in modern healthcare. The ability to access healthcare remotely offers significant advantages, particularly for residents in rural areas like Benton. Telemedicine can reduce travel time, improve access to specialists, and facilitate the management of chronic conditions. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and technological advancement.
Mental health resources are an increasingly important aspect of overall health. Evaluating the availability of mental health services in Benton involves examining the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the ZIP code or in nearby communities easily accessible to residents. This includes assessing the availability of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services. The presence of these resources, along with their accessibility and affordability, significantly impacts the community's overall health score.
The integration of mental health services with primary care is also crucial. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals work alongside PCPs, can provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. This integration can improve patient outcomes and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.
The overall health score for Benton, PA (17814) is thus a complex evaluation. It relies on a thorough assessment of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A community with a high overall health score will demonstrate: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, easy access to primary care, standout practices committed to quality and patient satisfaction, widespread adoption of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources, including integrated behavioral health services.
The analysis, however, should not be considered a static evaluation. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, practices, and challenges emerging regularly. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the community's healthcare needs are being met effectively. This continuous assessment allows for proactive adjustments and improvements to ensure that residents have access to the best possible care.
This detailed analysis, encompassing a range of factors, provides a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Benton, Pennsylvania. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the system, ultimately informing decisions about resource allocation and healthcare improvements.
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