18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.82 percent of the residents in 18518 has some form of health insurance. 39.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.53 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 18518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,765 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18518. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,806 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,982 health care providers accessible to residents in 18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in 18518 & Primary Care in Old Forge

Assessing the overall health landscape within a specific geographic area demands a multifaceted approach, moving beyond simple metrics to encompass a holistic understanding of resource availability, quality of care, and accessibility. This analysis focuses on the health of residents in ZIP Code 18518, encompassing the area, and the availability of primary care services in Old Forge, PA.

Evaluating the health landscape necessitates a look at the physician-to-patient ratio. An ideal ratio allows for sufficient access to care. In 18518, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other sources must be analyzed to determine the specific ratio. A low ratio indicates a potential strain on resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more favorable environment for accessing medical services. The analysis must account for the types of physicians available, including general practitioners, specialists, and other healthcare providers.

The availability of primary care physicians in Old Forge is a critical component of this assessment. Primary care serves as the cornerstone of preventative health and chronic disease management. The number of primary care physicians, their acceptance of new patients, and their geographic distribution within Old Forge are key indicators. Analyzing the proximity of primary care practices to residential areas is essential. The analysis must consider the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers. These facilities often serve vulnerable populations and play a vital role in ensuring access to care for all residents.

Identifying standout practices within 18518 and Old Forge is an important aspect of the analysis. This requires examining several factors, including patient reviews, accreditations, and the use of innovative technologies. Practices with strong patient satisfaction scores and positive online reviews often indicate a commitment to quality care and patient experience. Accreditation by organizations like the Joint Commission or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) demonstrates adherence to established quality standards. Practices adopting innovative technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, often demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and patient engagement.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. The analysis must assess the extent to which doctors in 18518 and primary care providers in Old Forge offer telemedicine services. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis must determine the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and chronic disease management programs. It is important to consider the availability of reliable internet access and digital literacy among the population.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within 18518 and Old Forge. This includes the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available. The analysis should consider the presence of mental health clinics, hospitals with psychiatric units, and support groups. The analysis must assess the accessibility of mental health services, including wait times for appointments, insurance acceptance, and the availability of services for children and adolescents.

Specific examples of practices that stand out in 18518 and Old Forge are important to consider. This includes practices with exemplary patient satisfaction ratings, those that have adopted innovative technologies, or those that have a strong commitment to community outreach. These examples can serve as models for other practices and highlight best practices in healthcare delivery. Examining the use of EHR systems, patient portals, and other technologies that enhance patient engagement is essential.

The analysis must also consider the demographics of the population served by the healthcare providers in 18518 and Old Forge. This includes factors such as age, race, ethnicity, income, and health insurance coverage. Understanding the demographic characteristics of the population is crucial for assessing the needs of the community and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and culturally competent. The analysis must consider the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and the availability of resources to manage these conditions.

The availability of specialty care services within 18518 and the accessibility of these services for residents of Old Forge are crucial considerations. This includes access to specialists such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists. The analysis must assess the availability of diagnostic services, such as imaging and laboratory testing. The analysis must consider the proximity of hospitals and other healthcare facilities to the population.

Assessing the overall health score requires a comprehensive evaluation of all the factors discussed. This includes the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the demographic characteristics of the population. The overall health score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 18518 and Old Forge. The score can be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform policy decisions.

A comprehensive analysis of the healthcare landscape in 18518 and Old Forge requires the collection and analysis of a large amount of data. This includes data from government agencies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other sources. The analysis should use a variety of methods, including statistical analysis, qualitative research, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Visualizing the data through maps can be extremely helpful. Mapping the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of chronic diseases, and other health indicators can provide valuable insights into the health of the community. This can highlight areas where resources are lacking and help to identify potential solutions.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 18518 and Old Forge, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to explore healthcare data in a user-friendly format. They offer detailed visualizations of physician locations, access to care, and other health-related information.

Visit CartoChrome today to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the health of your community.