18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.37 percent of the residents in 18439 has some form of health insurance. 46.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.69 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 18439 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18439. An estimate of 0 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 589 health care providers accessible to residents in 18439, Lakewood, Pennsylvania.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18439 and Primary Care Availability in Lakewood**

Lakewood, Pennsylvania, designated by the ZIP code 18439, presents a unique profile for healthcare accessibility and overall health. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources within this specific geographical area. An 'Overall Health Score' is derived by evaluating these interconnected components, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for residents.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is the availability of primary care physicians. In Lakewood (18439), the density of primary care providers significantly impacts the overall health score. A higher concentration of physicians generally translates to easier access for residents seeking routine check-ups, preventative care, and management of chronic conditions. Conversely, a scarcity of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses, exacerbated health issues, and increased strain on emergency services. The analysis will consider the number of general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. It quantifies the number of physicians available to serve a specific population. A favorable ratio, meaning a higher number of physicians per capita, indicates better access to care. This ratio can be calculated by dividing the total population of Lakewood (18439) by the number of primary care physicians practicing within the area. Benchmarking this ratio against national or state averages provides context, highlighting whether Lakewood residents have better, comparable, or worse access to primary care compared to other communities.

Identifying standout medical practices is essential. These practices often distinguish themselves through innovative approaches to patient care, advanced technology adoption, or a commitment to patient satisfaction. The analysis will assess practices based on factors such as patient reviews, accreditations, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, women's health, pediatric care), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate coordinated care. Practices known for their commitment to patient education and preventative care will be particularly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, via video or phone, can significantly improve access to care, especially for residents in rural or underserved areas. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in Lakewood (18439) offer telemedicine services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the ease of access to telehealth platforms. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and expanding healthcare access.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within Lakewood (18439). This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and counseling services. The accessibility of these services, including insurance acceptance and wait times, will be considered. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as the co-location of mental health professionals or the use of integrated behavioral health models, will be viewed favorably. The availability of support groups and community resources focused on mental wellness will also be factored into the assessment.

The 'Overall Health Score' for Lakewood (18439) is derived from a holistic evaluation of these factors. A high score indicates robust primary care availability, favorable physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health resources. A lower score suggests challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes for residents. The score serves as a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and areas that may require improvement.

The analysis will consider the geographical distribution of healthcare resources within the ZIP code. This includes identifying areas with high concentrations of physicians and areas that may be underserved. The analysis will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population, such as age, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases, to understand how these factors may influence healthcare access and outcomes.

The quality of care, measured through patient satisfaction surveys and clinical outcomes data, is also a crucial element. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores and positive health outcomes will contribute positively to the overall health score. The analysis will consider data from reputable sources, such as patient reviews, health insurance providers, and government agencies, to assess the quality of care provided by primary care physicians in Lakewood (18439).

The analysis will also consider the role of community health initiatives and partnerships. This includes assessing the involvement of local hospitals, community health centers, and other organizations in promoting health and wellness within the community. Initiatives that focus on preventative care, health education, and addressing social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food and safe housing, will be viewed favorably.

The final 'Overall Health Score' will be presented as a composite rating, reflecting the collective strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Lakewood (18439). This score provides a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the current state of healthcare access and identify opportunities for improvement. This comprehensive assessment aims to offer a clear picture of the health of the community, offering insight to help improve the health and well-being of the residents.

For a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lakewood (18439), including the geographical distribution of physicians, the location of medical practices, and the availability of mental health resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. Their mapping tools offer an intuitive and informative way to visualize healthcare data and gain a deeper understanding of the health of your community.