17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.65 percent of the residents in 17920 has some form of health insurance. 50.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.61 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 17920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17920. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 110 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,915 health care providers accessible to residents in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17920 and Primary Care Availability in Aristes**

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 17920 (which encompasses the town of Cressona, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas) and specifically assessing primary care availability in the nearby community of Aristes, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into various crucial aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, prominent medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. These factors collectively contribute to an "Overall Health Score," providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility and quality in this specific geographic region.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Data suggests that the national average physician-to-patient ratio fluctuates. However, in rural areas like parts of Schuylkill County, where ZIP Code 17920 is located, this ratio might be less favorable. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This data would reveal the number of active, practicing physicians (specifically primary care physicians) within the ZIP Code and the surrounding areas and compare it to the local population. If the ratio is below the national average, it raises concerns about potential healthcare access limitations.

Several medical practices within and around ZIP Code 17920 play a significant role in delivering primary care services. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, the range of services offered, the adoption of technology, and the providers' specializations. For instance, practices with a high volume of positive patient reviews and a comprehensive suite of services, including chronic disease management, preventative care, and in-house laboratory services, would likely score higher. Furthermore, practices that have embraced technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, often demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and patient engagement. Assessing the qualifications and experience of the physicians within these practices is also critical. Board certification and years of experience can be indicators of expertise and quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a critical factor influencing healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that have fully embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, would likely receive a higher score in this category. The availability of telehealth services for both routine checkups and follow-up appointments significantly enhances healthcare access. Furthermore, practices that offer specialized telehealth services, such as mental health counseling or chronic disease management, demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care.

The availability of mental health resources is an essential component of overall health. Access to mental healthcare services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, is crucial for addressing a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to more severe mental illnesses. Assessing the availability of these resources involves identifying local mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The number of providers, their specialties, and their acceptance of various insurance plans are all important factors. Additionally, the presence of support groups, mental health clinics, and crisis intervention services within the community contributes to a more robust mental health ecosystem.

Primary care availability in Aristes, a small community near Cressona, requires specific investigation. While the overall healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 17920 is relevant, the presence or absence of primary care physicians directly serving Aristes residents is paramount. This involves identifying any primary care practices located within Aristes or in close proximity, as well as assessing their capacity to serve the local population. The availability of transportation to nearby healthcare facilities is also a crucial consideration. If Aristes residents must travel significant distances to access primary care, it could negatively impact their overall health score.

To generate an accurate "Overall Health Score," each of these factors would need to be assigned a weighted value based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to primary care could be assigned a higher weight than telemedicine adoption. The score would then be calculated based on the performance of each factor. A high score would indicate strong healthcare access and quality, while a low score would signal areas needing improvement.

In conclusion, the overall health score for doctors in ZIP Code 17920 and primary care availability in Aristes depends on a complex interplay of factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall picture. A comprehensive analysis, incorporating current data and a weighted scoring system, is essential for accurately assessing the health landscape in this region.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17920 and Aristes, and to gain a visual understanding of the locations of healthcare providers and resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive representation of healthcare facilities, allowing you to visualize the distribution of doctors, hospitals, and other resources within the area.