17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17946 has some form of health insurance. 20.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.86 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 17946 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 75 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17946. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,903 health care providers accessible to residents in 17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17946 & Primary Care Availability in Lost Creek

Assessing the overall health landscape within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. For ZIP code 17946, encompassing the community of Lost Creek, Pennsylvania, an in-depth analysis of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources provides a comprehensive understanding of the community's access to care and overall health prospects. This analysis aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering these crucial factors.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is robust primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the population's ability to receive preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and navigate the healthcare system. A key metric to evaluate this is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise data for Lost Creek alone is challenging to obtain, analyzing county-level data (likely Schuylkill County) provides a reasonable proxy. If the county ratio aligns with or exceeds the national average, it suggests a relatively good level of access. Conversely, a lower ratio indicates potential challenges, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased pressure on existing providers. The analysis should also consider the types of PCPs available – family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians – to assess the breadth of care options.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires examining factors such as patient reviews, accreditations (e.g., NCQA), and the range of services offered. Practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, offering extended hours, same-day appointments, and online portals for communication and appointment scheduling, often receive higher marks. Researching the specific practices within 17946 involves a deep dive into online directories, insurance provider networks, and potentially local community surveys. Identifying practices with a strong reputation for patient satisfaction and clinical excellence is crucial to the overall health score.

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services via technology, has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption rate within 17946 is a critical factor. Does the community have access to telehealth options for primary care consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals? Are local practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms? The availability of reliable internet access is also a factor. If a significant portion of the population lacks adequate internet connectivity, the benefits of telemedicine are diminished. The overall health score should reflect the extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the local healthcare ecosystem and its potential impact on access to care.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health services within 17946 requires identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Are there local mental health clinics or hospitals offering psychiatric services? Does the community have access to support groups or mental health programs? The analysis should also consider the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Integrated care, where mental health professionals work alongside PCPs, can improve access to mental healthcare and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. The extent to which mental health resources are available and integrated significantly impacts the overall health score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the presence of other essential healthcare services. Are there urgent care centers or walk-in clinics in the area? What about access to specialists, such as cardiologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists? The availability of these services contributes to the overall health score by providing a more comprehensive healthcare ecosystem. Proximity to hospitals and emergency medical services is also a critical factor, particularly in a rural setting. The analysis should consider the travel time to the nearest hospital and the quality of emergency medical services.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 17946 and primary care availability in Lost Creek should be a holistic assessment. It’s not just about the number of doctors; it’s about the quality, accessibility, and integration of healthcare services. A high score would indicate a community with a strong primary care foundation, readily available mental health resources, widespread telemedicine adoption, and a comprehensive network of healthcare providers. A lower score would suggest areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine options, and increasing access to mental health services.

To arrive at a final score, each of the factors discussed – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – should be assigned a weighted value based on their relative importance. For example, primary care availability and mental health resources might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. Each factor should then be assessed based on available data and assigned a score. These individual scores are then combined, weighted, and aggregated to produce the overall health score.

The final score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used, including the data sources, weighting factors, and scoring criteria. This transparency is essential for understanding the basis of the score and identifying areas for improvement. The analysis should also include specific recommendations for improving the overall health of the community. These recommendations could include initiatives to recruit more physicians, expand telemedicine services, or increase access to mental health programs.

In conclusion, the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 17946 and primary care availability in Lost Creek is a complex metric that requires a comprehensive and data-driven analysis. This assessment should consider the availability, quality, and accessibility of healthcare services, as well as the integration of mental health resources and the adoption of telemedicine. The final score should provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the community's health prospects and identifying areas for improvement.

For those seeking to visualize the healthcare landscape in Lost Creek and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of spatial data. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and informative way to understand the distribution of healthcare providers, access to services, and other relevant factors. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of your community's health by visiting CartoChrome maps today.