17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 17948 has some form of health insurance. 51.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.11 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 17948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,100 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17948. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 659 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,784 health care providers accessible to residents in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Mahanoy City (ZIP Code 17948)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Mahanoy City area (ZIP Code 17948), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians. The assessment considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any health score analysis begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is a crucial indicator of access to care. In Mahanoy City, the ratio likely reflects the challenges common in rural areas. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potential difficulties in finding a new primary care provider, and increased strain on existing healthcare professionals. The exact ratio for 17948 requires precise data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Department of Health & Human Services. However, it is probable that the area faces a shortage, influencing the overall health score negatively.

Identifying standout practices is critical. These are healthcare providers that demonstrate excellence in patient care, offer a wider range of services, or actively embrace innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Evaluating practices involves considering factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management), the use of electronic health records, and the presence of specialized programs. Specific practices in Mahanoy City would be identified through public directories, online reviews, and direct observation. The existence of a practice with a strong reputation for patient-centered care and a commitment to quality significantly boosts the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern necessity. The ability to access healthcare remotely offers numerous advantages, especially in areas with limited physical access to physicians. Telemedicine can reduce travel time, improve access for individuals with mobility issues, and facilitate follow-up appointments. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, the use of remote monitoring technologies, and the integration of telehealth services into existing practice workflows. The more widespread the adoption of telemedicine within Mahanoy City, the more positively it contributes to the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, is a critical factor in assessing the health of a community. Evaluating mental health resources involves examining the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, the accessibility of mental health services (e.g., insurance acceptance, sliding scale fees), and the presence of community-based mental health programs. A robust network of mental health support services is essential for a positive health score.

Beyond these core components, other factors contribute to the overall health score. These include the presence of urgent care facilities, the availability of specialist physicians, and the level of health insurance coverage within the community. The quality of local hospitals, the availability of public health programs, and the overall health literacy of the population also play a role. Each of these factors contributes, either positively or negatively, to the overall health score.

The analysis also considers the social determinants of health. These are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They include socioeconomic status, education level, access to healthy food, housing quality, and environmental factors. Areas with higher rates of poverty, lower educational attainment, and limited access to resources often face poorer health outcomes. These factors are crucial for a complete understanding of the health landscape.

The assessment of these factors requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves gathering data from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and community organizations. This data is then analyzed and weighted based on its relative importance. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight than the availability of a specific specialist.

The overall health score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that can change over time. Changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the opening of a new clinic, the adoption of telemedicine, or an increase in mental health resources, can all impact the score. Therefore, regular reassessment is essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

The overall health score for Mahanoy City (ZIP Code 17948) is likely influenced by the challenges of rural healthcare. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of mental health resources, and the adoption of telemedicine are all crucial factors. The presence of standout practices and the consideration of social determinants of health further shape the score. The community’s overall health score depends on the interplay of all these factors.

To visualize the health landscape of Mahanoy City and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic platform to analyze the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of access to care.