18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.89 percent of the residents in 18326 has some form of health insurance. 24.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.29 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 18326 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 992 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18326. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 525 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,710 health care providers accessible to residents in 18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Cresco, PA (ZIP Code 18326)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Cresco, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18326) necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. It aims to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for residents, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of a healthy community is readily accessible primary care. In Cresco, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. Determining the exact number of practicing physicians within the specified ZIP code is the first step. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association, can provide this data. However, it's vital to account for physicians who may reside within the ZIP code but practice elsewhere. Furthermore, the types of primary care providers – family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians – need to be differentiated to provide a complete picture of the available care.

A critical metric in evaluating healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio indicates the number of patients served by each primary care physician. A lower ratio generally suggests better access to care, as physicians have more time to dedicate to each patient. To calculate this ratio for Cresco, the estimated population of the ZIP code needs to be divided by the number of practicing primary care physicians. This number can then be compared to national and state averages to determine if Cresco residents have adequate access to primary care. The impact of population density and the presence of underserved populations must also be factored into this analysis.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout primary care practices within Cresco requires examining several factors. Patient reviews, available through online platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction with physicians and practices. Accreditation by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is another indicator of quality, as it signifies adherence to specific standards of care. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the use of patient portals are indicative of a modern, efficient practice.

Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine within Cresco’s primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals enhance access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Researching which practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, prescription refills, chronic disease management) is essential. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a key consideration, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health services within Cresco is critical. This includes identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and social workers. Determining the number of mental health professionals practicing within the ZIP code, and their specialties, is a starting point. Furthermore, examining the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, such as integrated behavioral health programs, can be beneficial. The presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and crisis intervention services also contributes to a comprehensive mental health ecosystem.

The integration of mental health services with primary care is increasingly recognized as best practice. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals collaborate with primary care physicians, can improve patient outcomes. This integration can facilitate early detection and treatment of mental health conditions, reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare. The availability of these integrated services within Cresco’s primary care practices should be a key focus of this analysis.

The presence of specialized care, such as geriatric care, is also important. As the population ages, the need for specialized geriatric care increases. Identifying primary care practices that specialize in geriatric medicine or have physicians with expertise in caring for older adults is critical. This includes assessing the availability of services like medication management, fall prevention programs, and cognitive assessments.

The affordability of healthcare is another crucial factor. Evaluating the acceptance of various insurance plans by primary care practices within Cresco is essential. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by the state or federal government, should also be considered. The cost of primary care services, including co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses, can significantly impact access to care.

The overall health score for Cresco, PA (18326) will be a composite score, factoring in all the elements discussed above. A higher score would indicate better access to primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

The analysis should be updated regularly, as healthcare landscapes evolve. New physicians may arrive, practices may adopt telemedicine, and new mental health resources may become available. Therefore, continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that residents of Cresco have access to the best possible care. This iterative process will help in creating a healthier community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cresco, and for a deeper understanding of physician locations, practice locations, and resource distribution, consider utilizing the power of geospatial data. CartoChrome maps can provide interactive visualizations, allowing you to explore the data spatially and identify areas of need and opportunity.