18465, Thompson, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18465, Thompson, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.89 percent of the residents in 18465 has some form of health insurance. 43.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.68 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 18465 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18465. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 262 health care providers accessible to residents in 18465, Thompson, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18465 and Primary Care Availability in Thompson, PA

This analysis provides an overview of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 18465, encompassing the town of Thompson, Pennsylvania, and assesses the overall health score concerning physician availability, resource accessibility, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas ripe for improvement.

Evaluating the health of a community goes beyond simply counting doctors. It involves understanding the intricate interplay of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality and accessibility of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall responsiveness of the healthcare system to the needs of its residents.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access**

One of the most fundamental indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. In ZIP code 18465, the physician-to-patient ratio requires careful examination. Data from reputable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association, must be consulted to establish a baseline. The ratio should then be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of physicians.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to the physician-to-patient ratio. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the entry point into the healthcare system, providing essential preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas is critical. Factors like the acceptance of new patients, the types of insurance accepted, and the geographic proximity of these practices to residents of Thompson significantly impact access.

**Standout Practices and Service Quality**

Identifying standout practices involves a qualitative assessment beyond simple numbers. This requires evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, and the use of technology to enhance patient care. Practices that have embraced electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, and other technological advancements often demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and improved patient communication.

Furthermore, assessing the quality of care requires evaluating the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics. Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission signifies adherence to rigorous standards of quality and safety. Analyzing patient reviews, both online and through surveys, provides valuable insights into the patient experience, including wait times, the friendliness of staff, and the overall quality of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely via technology, has emerged as a transformative force, particularly in rural areas like Thompson. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations.

Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption involves determining the number of practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and other telehealth options. Evaluating the types of services available via telemedicine, such as primary care, specialist consultations, and mental health counseling, is crucial. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine services.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of any comprehensive healthcare assessment. Evaluating the availability of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is essential. Assessing the types of mental health services offered, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management, is equally important.

Furthermore, understanding the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage, wait times for appointments, and the availability of crisis intervention services, is critical. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices can also improve access and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare.

**Overall Health Score and Areas for Improvement**

Synthesizing the data from these various categories allows for the development of an "Overall Health Score" for the community. This score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, providing a clear picture of the community's health status. Areas for improvement may include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving mental health resource accessibility, and enhancing the overall quality of care.

The analysis should also identify potential disparities in healthcare access based on factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare for all residents.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 18465 and Thompson, PA. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare improvement, focusing on physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By understanding the existing strengths and weaknesses, the community can work towards building a more robust and accessible healthcare system.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Thompson and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers detailed visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access, visualize physician distribution, and gain a deeper understanding of the community's healthcare needs.