17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17834 has some form of health insurance. 35.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.34 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 17834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 654 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 749 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Kulpmont, PA (ZIP Code 17834)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Overall Health Score," considers several key factors, moving beyond simple metrics to provide a nuanced understanding of the community's access to and utilization of healthcare resources. The analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify any standout practices, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and assess the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Kulpmont (ZIP Code 17834), this metric provides a crucial initial indicator. Data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), must be analyzed to ascertain the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the defined geographic area. Comparing this number to the estimated population of Kulpmont allows for the calculation of a ratio, typically expressed as the number of patients per physician. A high ratio indicates a potential shortage of primary care providers, which can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, a decline in overall community health. Conversely, a low ratio suggests a greater availability of primary care services. The specific ratio for Kulpmont requires up-to-date data analysis, but this initial step is essential to understanding the baseline health resource availability.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care hinges on the practices themselves. Identifying standout practices requires a review of various factors, including patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative healthcare models. Practices that consistently receive high ratings from patients, as measured by online reviews, patient surveys, and other feedback mechanisms, are considered valuable. Practices that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized services (such as women's health or geriatric care), are also highly valued. Furthermore, practices that embrace technological advancements, such as electronic health records and patient portals, often demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and patient-centered care. Identifying these practices requires a thorough investigation, including website reviews, and direct outreach to local healthcare providers.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in evaluating the health landscape. Telemedicine, which encompasses remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and other digital health services, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Kulpmont. The extent to which local primary care practices have embraced telemedicine can be assessed by examining their websites, contacting their offices, and reviewing their patient portals. The availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs for chronic conditions, and digital communication tools are all indicators of telemedicine adoption. Practices that have effectively integrated telemedicine into their care models can offer greater convenience, reduce travel burdens, and potentially improve patient outcomes. The presence of telemedicine options directly impacts the "Overall Health Score" by increasing accessibility and convenience.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial element of a comprehensive health assessment. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. Therefore, the presence of mental health services within primary care practices, or readily accessible referrals to mental health professionals, is essential. The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health providers in the Kulpmont area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. This involves examining local directories, contacting healthcare providers, and reviewing community resources. The availability of support groups, mental health education programs, and crisis intervention services also contributes to the overall mental health infrastructure. A community with robust mental health resources is better equipped to address the complex needs of its residents and improve overall well-being.

The "Overall Health Score" for Kulpmont, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17834) is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the interplay of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a fundamental indicator of access. The quality of primary care practices, as measured by patient satisfaction and service offerings, reflects the standard of care. The adoption of telemedicine enhances accessibility and convenience. The availability of mental health resources underscores the community's commitment to holistic well-being. Each of these factors contributes to a more or less robust healthcare ecosystem.

The final "Overall Health Score" would be a composite measure, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to primary care. The score would be presented in a clear and concise manner, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and data sources.

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