17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.80 percent of the residents in 17921 has some form of health insurance. 32.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.29 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 17921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17921. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,779 health care providers accessible to residents in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Ashland, PA (ZIP Code 17921)

Assessing the overall health landscape of Ashland, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 17921 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall health score. While a definitive, numerical “score” is complex to calculate without comprehensive data, this analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the current state of healthcare in Ashland.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the strength of its primary care infrastructure. In Ashland, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A limited number of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and, consequently, poorer health outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A high ratio, meaning a larger number of patients per physician, can strain the existing resources and potentially impact the quality of care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 17921 requires data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association. However, anecdotal evidence and local reports suggest that Ashland, like many rural communities, may face challenges in this area.

Several practices in Ashland likely stand out in terms of patient care and community involvement. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care, their utilization of innovative technologies, or their active participation in community health initiatives. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into patient reviews, local awards, and community feedback. Examining the scope of services offered, from routine checkups to chronic disease management, is also crucial. Are these practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped to handle the specific health needs of the population, including geriatric care or pediatric services?

Telemedicine adoption is another important facet of healthcare in Ashland. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. It can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to connect with their physicians. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Ashland, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), is a key indicator of the community's ability to leverage technology to improve healthcare access.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The availability of mental health services in Ashland is crucial. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support groups. Access to mental health services can significantly impact the well-being of the community. A shortage of mental health professionals can lead to untreated mental health conditions, which can have far-reaching consequences. Assessing the availability of these resources and their accessibility (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times) is essential.

The overall health score for Ashland, Pennsylvania, is a complex assessment that considers various factors. It’s not just about the number of doctors; it’s about the quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the availability of resources. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with robust telemedicine adoption and readily available mental health services, would suggest a higher overall health score. Conversely, a shortage of primary care physicians, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health resources would likely indicate a lower score.

To enhance the health landscape in Ashland, the community must address the challenges in primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential. This collaboration could involve initiatives to attract and retain physicians, expand telemedicine services, and increase access to mental health care.

The health of a community is a dynamic process. Regular assessment and strategic planning are necessary to ensure that Ashland residents have access to the healthcare services they need. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the existing resources, the challenges, and the opportunities for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ashland, including the locations of medical facilities, the distribution of healthcare professionals, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the healthcare resources available in the community.