18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.53 percent of the residents in 18617 has some form of health insurance. 45.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.55 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 18617 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18617. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 229 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,926 health care providers accessible to residents in 18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Glen Lyon, PA (ZIP Code 18617)

Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in the heart of Luzerne County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when assessing its overall health landscape. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care within the 18617 ZIP code, providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment based on key factors. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of any community's health is the accessibility of primary care physicians. Determining a precise physician-to-patient ratio for Glen Lyon alone is challenging due to the limited publicly available data at such a granular level. However, we can extrapolate based on county-wide and regional averages. Luzerne County, like many rural areas, likely faces a shortage of primary care physicians compared to the national average. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and a potential strain on existing medical resources. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns or cities, such as Wilkes-Barre or Nanticoke, to access primary care services.

Identifying "standout practices" within the 18617 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into individual clinic profiles, patient reviews, and quality metrics. While specific practice names are difficult to ascertain without direct access to proprietary data, we can assume that the quality of care varies. Factors influencing a practice's "standout" status include the experience and expertise of the physicians, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, women's health, pediatric care), the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, and the overall patient experience. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and actively participate in community health initiatives are more likely to receive positive recognition.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas like Glen Lyon. The adoption rate of telemedicine by primary care providers in the region is a critical indicator of the community's health score. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care for residents who may face transportation challenges or have mobility limitations. The availability of reliable internet connectivity within the community is also a significant factor influencing the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall well-being, and their availability significantly impacts the health score. Access to mental health services in Glen Lyon and the surrounding areas needs to be assessed. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The availability of mental health services is often limited in rural areas, and residents may face long wait times, limited insurance coverage, and a stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The presence of community-based mental health programs, such as support groups, educational workshops, and crisis intervention services, can greatly improve the mental health landscape.

The overall health score for Glen Lyon, based on the factors discussed, is likely to be moderate, potentially leaning towards the lower end. The challenges posed by a potential physician shortage, the need for expanded telemedicine adoption, and the potential limitations in mental health resources all contribute to this assessment. The score can be improved by targeted efforts to recruit and retain primary care physicians, support the integration of telemedicine, and expand mental health services.

The success of any health initiative hinges on data-driven insights. CartoChrome maps offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing health data, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation. By leveraging CartoChrome maps, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations can identify areas of need, track progress, and make informed decisions to improve the health of Glen Lyon and its residents.