17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.27 percent of the residents in 17976 has some form of health insurance. 50.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.10 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 17976 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,686 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17976. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,613 health care providers accessible to residents in 17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Shenandoah, PA (ZIP Code 17976)

Assessing the overall health landscape of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17976) requires a multifaceted approach. We will analyze the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ for the community, acknowledging the complex interplay of these elements.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved health outcomes. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio for Shenandoah requires data from sources such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. This data will reveal the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the total population served. It is crucial to differentiate between general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and family medicine physicians to gauge the breadth of primary care options available.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. This includes patient satisfaction scores, which can be gleaned from online reviews and patient surveys. The quality of care provided, measured by metrics such as adherence to clinical guidelines and patient outcomes, is also essential. Additionally, the availability of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs or preventative care initiatives, contributes to a practice's overall rating. These practices often serve as models for other providers, influencing the overall quality of care in the community.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital in providing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Shenandoah. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The extent of telemedicine adoption can be assessed by evaluating the number of practices offering virtual appointments, the types of services available through telemedicine, and the technology infrastructure supporting these services. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health, and their availability significantly impacts community well-being. Assessing mental health resources involves evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the community. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices, such as integrated behavioral health programs, is also significant. Additionally, access to crisis intervention services, support groups, and mental health awareness programs contributes to a more robust mental health infrastructure. Examining the utilization rates of these resources and identifying any unmet needs is vital for a complete assessment.

The ‘Overall Health Score’ for Shenandoah will be a composite metric, reflecting the performance across these key areas. A higher score will indicate better access to primary care physicians, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. A lower score will highlight areas where improvements are needed. This score will serve as a benchmark for tracking progress and identifying areas for intervention and improvement.

The specific data points used to calculate the score will be weighted based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios may be assigned a higher weight than the availability of a specific type of therapy. The weighting system will be transparent and based on evidence-based practices. The final score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the weighting system.

Data gathering for this analysis requires a combination of methods. Publicly available data from government agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, will be used to determine physician-to-patient ratios and demographic information. Online review platforms, patient surveys, and practice websites will be consulted to gather information on patient satisfaction, services offered, and telemedicine adoption. Direct outreach to local healthcare providers will be necessary to gather specific data on practice characteristics, mental health resources, and utilization rates.

The analysis will also consider the unique challenges faced by Shenandoah, such as its rural location and potential socioeconomic factors. These factors can influence healthcare access and outcomes. The analysis will incorporate these contextual factors to provide a more nuanced and accurate assessment of the community's health landscape.

The findings of this analysis will be presented in a clear and concise manner. The ‘Overall Health Score’ will be accompanied by a detailed report summarizing the key findings, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and providing recommendations for improvement. This report will be accessible to the public and designed to inform community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The recommendations will focus on practical steps that can be taken to improve the ‘Overall Health Score’. These may include strategies to recruit and retain primary care physicians, promote telemedicine adoption, expand mental health services, and improve access to preventative care. The recommendations will be tailored to the specific needs of Shenandoah and will be based on best practices in healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthy food. These factors can significantly influence health outcomes. The analysis will identify any disparities in healthcare access and outcomes based on these social determinants and recommend strategies to address them.

The ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the ‘Overall Health Score’ is essential. The score should be updated regularly to track progress and identify any emerging challenges. This ongoing process will ensure that the community’s health needs are continuously assessed and addressed. This will involve establishing a system for collecting and analyzing data on an ongoing basis and engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, providing recommendations for improvement, and promoting ongoing monitoring and evaluation, this analysis can contribute to a healthier community. The ultimate aim is to empower residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to improve the overall health and well-being of the people of Shenandoah.

For a dynamic and visually compelling representation of this data and to explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Shenandoah and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for visualizing the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.