18242, Oneida, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18242, Oneida, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18242 has some form of health insurance. 18.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.88 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 18242 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18242. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 12 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,787 health care providers accessible to residents in 18242, Oneida, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18242 and Primary Care in Oneida

This analysis assesses the overall health landscape, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 18242 (a hypothetical location) and the broader context of primary care accessibility in Oneida (also hypothetical). The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' by examining key indicators, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Baseline**

A fundamental aspect of health care accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP code 18242, the analysis reveals a concerning deficit. The ratio indicates a significant shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population size. This scarcity directly impacts patient access, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with physicians during consultations, and increased reliance on emergency room services for non-emergency conditions. This situation negatively impacts the overall health score.

In contrast, the broader assessment of primary care availability in Oneida presents a slightly more favorable, though still challenging, picture. While the physician-to-patient ratio is better than in 18242, it remains below the recommended national average. This suggests that while access might be comparatively better, there's still a need for improvement to ensure adequate primary care coverage for the entire population.

**Standout Practices: Centers of Excellence**

Within ZIP code 18242, identifying standout practices is crucial. The analysis reveals a single practice that consistently receives high patient satisfaction scores and demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive care. This practice, which emphasizes preventive medicine and chronic disease management, stands out due to its patient-centered approach and integration of technology to improve patient outcomes. However, the limited number of high-performing practices underscores the need for further development and investment in quality healthcare within the ZIP code.

The situation in Oneida presents a more varied landscape. The analysis identifies several practices that demonstrate excellence in specific areas of primary care. Some practices excel in geriatric care, offering specialized services for the elderly population. Others are recognized for their focus on pediatric care, providing comprehensive services for children and adolescents. The presence of these specialized practices contributes positively to the overall health score in Oneida, offering a wider range of care options.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap**

Telemedicine adoption is a key factor in improving access to care, particularly in areas with physician shortages. Within ZIP code 18242, the analysis indicates a relatively low level of telemedicine adoption. This limits patients' ability to access care remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The lack of telemedicine infrastructure and physician participation negatively impacts the overall health score.

In Oneida, telemedicine adoption presents a more promising picture. Several primary care practices have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This increased adoption has improved access to care for patients, especially those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. The presence of telemedicine capabilities contributes positively to the overall health score in Oneida, reflecting a commitment to utilizing technology to improve patient care.

**Mental Health Resources: An Integrated Approach**

The integration of mental health services into primary care is critical for holistic patient well-being. Within ZIP code 18242, the analysis reveals a significant deficiency in mental health resources. The lack of integrated mental health services within primary care practices creates barriers to access for patients needing mental health support. This deficiency negatively impacts the overall health score.

In Oneida, the situation is slightly more encouraging. Several primary care practices have established partnerships with mental health providers, offering integrated mental health services or referrals to specialized mental health professionals. This integration of mental health services into primary care contributes positively to the overall health score in Oneida, reflecting a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of the population.

**Overall Health Score: A Comparative Assessment**

Based on the analysis, the overall health score for ZIP code 18242 is significantly lower than that of Oneida. The physician shortage, limited telemedicine adoption, and lack of mental health resources within 18242 contribute to a less favorable health landscape.

Oneida, while still facing challenges in physician-to-patient ratios, demonstrates a more robust healthcare infrastructure. The presence of standout practices, increased telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services contribute to a higher overall health score. However, continued efforts are needed to improve primary care accessibility and quality throughout the region.

**Conclusion: Visualizing the Healthcare Landscape**

Understanding the complexities of healthcare access and quality requires a comprehensive approach. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in both ZIP code 18242 and Oneida, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more detailed exploration of physician distribution, practice locations, and the availability of specialized services.