18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.84 percent of the residents in 18616 has some form of health insurance. 49.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.56 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 18616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 98 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18616. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 222 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 173 health care providers accessible to residents in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Forksville, PA (ZIP Code 18616)

Forksville, Pennsylvania, nestled within the scenic Sullivan County, presents a unique challenge when assessing its overall health landscape. Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare within the 18616 ZIP code requires a nuanced approach, considering the rural nature of the area and its potential impact on access to care. This analysis will delve into key metrics, offering an ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources.

The foundation of any health assessment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas like Forksville, this ratio is often a critical indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, difficulty finding a primary care provider accepting new patients, and increased travel distances to access medical services. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would be crucial in establishing a precise physician-to-patient ratio for 18616. However, given the small population size and the potential for data suppression to protect patient privacy, the exact ratio might be difficult to ascertain. We can infer that the ratio is likely less favorable compared to more urbanized areas, necessitating a focus on strategies to mitigate the impact of limited physician availability.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of preventative healthcare. The presence of family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners directly impacts the community's ability to receive routine check-ups, manage chronic conditions, and address immediate health concerns. Assessing primary care availability in Forksville requires identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This analysis should include the types of practices available (e.g., solo practices, group practices, hospital-affiliated clinics) and their capacity to accept new patients. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) would be a significant positive indicator, as these facilities often serve as safety nets for underserved populations, offering comprehensive primary care services regardless of ability to pay.

Identifying standout practices within the 18616 ZIP code is crucial. These practices may demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative service delivery, or a commitment to community health. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based practices, the availability of specialized services (e.g., chronic disease management programs), and the practice's involvement in community outreach initiatives. Finding practices that are actively engaged in population health management, focusing on preventative care and chronic disease management, would be a significant benefit to the community. The ability to identify these practices can be aided by online reviews, physician directories, and information provided by local health organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is a key factor in bridging the healthcare access gap in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and provide access to specialist care through telehealth platforms can significantly improve healthcare outcomes. Assessing telemedicine adoption in Forksville involves determining the availability of telehealth services offered by local practices and hospitals. This includes evaluating the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), the technology infrastructure available, and the level of patient and provider acceptance of telehealth. The availability of reliable internet access is also a critical factor, as poor connectivity can hinder the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are often a critical component of overall health, and access to mental health services in rural areas can be particularly challenging. Assessing the availability of mental health resources in Forksville involves identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and mental health clinics within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes evaluating the range of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), the availability of crisis intervention services, and the ability of mental health providers to accept insurance and offer financial assistance. The presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and partnerships with local schools and organizations would be positive indicators of a robust mental health infrastructure.

Based on the factors discussed above, an ‘Overall Health Score’ for Forksville, PA (ZIP Code 18616) would likely be moderate, with areas for improvement. The rural nature of the area suggests potential challenges in physician-to-patient ratios and primary care availability. Telemedicine adoption and the presence of mental health resources could significantly improve the score if they are well-established and accessible. Identifying and supporting standout practices that prioritize patient-centered care and community outreach is crucial.

To improve the ‘Overall Health Score’ for Forksville, several strategies could be implemented. These include attracting and retaining healthcare professionals through incentives, expanding telehealth services, increasing access to mental health resources, and promoting community health initiatives. Collaboration between local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is essential to create a comprehensive and sustainable healthcare system.

Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and health outcomes is critical for effective planning and resource allocation. Cartographic visualization tools can provide valuable insights into the health landscape of Forksville and the surrounding areas.