18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.78 percent of the residents in 18421 has some form of health insurance. 41.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.92 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 18421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 874 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 877 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,588 health care providers accessible to residents in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Forest City, PA (ZIP Code 18421)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Forest City, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18421) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the broader context of healthcare access, resources, and adoption of modern practices. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" ranking, evaluating various factors to paint a comprehensive picture.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the presence and accessibility of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial metric. In Forest City, the ratio is likely a critical factor in determining the overall health score. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians, leading to higher patient loads per doctor. This can translate into longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less personalized care. The higher the patient-to-physician ratio, the lower the score in this category. Publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential to obtain a precise physician-to-patient ratio for 18421.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts the overall health score. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the adoption of modern technologies. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, offer comprehensive care (including preventative services, chronic disease management, and routine checkups), and embrace technological advancements would receive higher scores. The presence of on-site lab services, electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing, and online patient portals for appointment scheduling and communication all contribute to a more patient-centered and efficient healthcare experience.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, especially in a rural area like Forest City, can significantly improve access to care. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians via video calls or phone appointments. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing minor health concerns. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine technologies would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to expanding access and improving patient convenience. The availability of telehealth services can significantly boost the score.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial. The analysis must assess the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and their accessibility. Factors like insurance acceptance and wait times for appointments are also important considerations. A community with limited mental health resources would receive a lower score in this category, highlighting a critical area for improvement. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is highly desirable, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.

The presence of specialized medical services also influences the overall health score. While primary care is the foundation, access to specialists is crucial for managing complex health conditions. The analysis needs to consider the availability of specialists such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists within a reasonable distance of Forest City. The need to travel long distances for specialized care can negatively impact the score, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses. The presence of local specialists or partnerships with regional medical centers can significantly improve the score.

Community health initiatives play a role in the overall health landscape. The existence of public health programs, such as vaccination clinics, health education programs, and support groups for chronic diseases, can enhance the health score. These initiatives contribute to preventative care and empower individuals to take control of their health. The analysis should consider the types of programs available, their accessibility, and their impact on the community. The presence of community health workers can further improve access to care, particularly for underserved populations.

Furthermore, the demographic characteristics of Forest City must be considered. Factors such as the age distribution of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and socioeconomic indicators can influence the overall health score. For example, an aging population may require more healthcare services, while a population with a high prevalence of chronic diseases may necessitate more specialized care. The analysis should take these demographic factors into account when interpreting the data.

To arrive at an "Overall Health Score," each of the factors discussed above would be assigned a weighted value based on its importance. The physician-to-patient ratio and the quality of primary care practices would likely carry the most weight, followed by the availability of mental health resources and the adoption of telemedicine. The scores for each category would then be combined to produce an overall score, providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Forest City. This score could then be benchmarked against other similar communities to provide context and identify areas for improvement.

Ultimately, a thorough analysis of the healthcare landscape in Forest City, PA (18421) reveals a complex interplay of factors. The availability of primary care physicians, the quality of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources are all crucial components. The overall health score reflects the community's ability to provide accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive healthcare services.

To delve deeper into the healthcare landscape of Forest City and visualize the data discussed, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, allowing for a more informed understanding of the healthcare resources available in the area.