18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.09 percent of the residents in 18221 has some form of health insurance. 47.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.05 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 18221 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18221. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 68 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,603 health care providers accessible to residents in 18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18221 and Primary Care Availability in Drifton**

Analyzing the overall health landscape in ZIP Code 18221, encompassing the town of Drifton, requires a multifaceted approach. This assessment goes beyond simply counting doctors; it delves into the quality, accessibility, and breadth of healthcare services available to residents. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight notable practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and investigate the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive evaluation will culminate in an overall health score and recommendations for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per doctor, generally suggests better access to care. However, this ratio alone doesn't paint the complete picture. We need to consider the types of physicians available. A community with a high concentration of specialists but a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) might struggle with preventative care and chronic disease management. In 18221, the ratio of PCPs to residents is a crucial factor. A low ratio indicates potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving ongoing care. This necessitates an examination of the local healthcare infrastructure. Are there sufficient clinics, hospitals, and urgent care facilities to support the population?

Identifying standout practices is critical to understanding the strengths of the local healthcare system. These practices may excel in specific areas, such as patient satisfaction, preventative care, or chronic disease management. Practices that are patient-centered, utilize electronic health records effectively, and offer extended hours or weekend appointments are generally viewed favorably. We must also consider the quality of care provided. Are the practices accredited by reputable organizations? What is the patient feedback like? Analyzing online reviews, patient testimonials, and publicly available data on quality metrics will help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator of healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas or those with mobility issues. The availability of telemedicine services, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption in 18221 involves evaluating the number of practices offering telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease with which patients can access these services.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is critical for addressing mental health concerns. The presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups contributes to a more comprehensive healthcare system. Examining the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services is vital. Furthermore, we must consider the integration of mental health services with primary care. Coordinated care, where primary care physicians and mental health professionals work together, can lead to better patient outcomes.

Based on these factors, we can formulate an overall health score for 18221. This score will be a composite measure, considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better overall health. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This analysis will identify areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis will also provide specific recommendations for improving the health landscape in 18221. These recommendations may include increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, promoting mental health awareness, and improving access to mental health resources. Furthermore, the analysis will identify opportunities for collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies.

The town of Drifton, within ZIP Code 18221, has unique characteristics that influence healthcare availability. Being a rural area, Drifton may face challenges related to physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. The analysis will specifically address the primary care availability in Drifton. This will involve assessing the number of PCPs practicing in the town, the types of services they offer, and the accessibility of their practices. The analysis will also consider the availability of transportation options for residents who need to travel to other locations for healthcare services.

The overall health score for 18221, and specifically for primary care availability in Drifton, will be a dynamic measure. It will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This continuous monitoring will help ensure that the community has access to the best possible healthcare services. The analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthy food, on the health of residents.

In conclusion, the overall health score for 18221, with a specific focus on primary care availability in Drifton, will provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare system. This assessment will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The analysis will identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations for improvement. This data is crucial for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about healthcare access and quality.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 18221, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding the complex factors that influence healthcare access and quality.