18626, Laporte, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18626, Laporte, Pennsylvania is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.06 percent of the residents in 18626 has some form of health insurance. 38.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.75 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 18626 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18626. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 166 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 175 health care providers accessible to residents in 18626, Laporte, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18626 and Primary Care Availability in Laporte

Evaluating the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 18626, encompassing the town of Laporte, Pennsylvania, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. An “Overall Health Score” is not a single, easily quantifiable metric, but rather a composite assessment derived from various factors. This analysis delves into physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare accessibility and quality within this rural community.

One of the primary indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural area like Laporte, this ratio is often a critical factor. The national average physician-to-patient ratio can vary, but in rural areas, it is often significantly lower than in urban centers. A lower ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for patients, and a potential strain on existing healthcare providers. Accurately determining the physician-to-patient ratio within 18626 requires data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local healthcare providers. This data is crucial to determine if the community is adequately served by primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals.

The presence of standout practices can significantly influence the overall health score. These practices are characterized by their commitment to patient care, utilization of innovative technologies, and positive patient outcomes. Identifying these practices involves analyzing patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating the adoption of best practices in areas such as preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient communication. For example, a practice that actively utilizes electronic health records (EHRs) to coordinate care, offers extended hours, or provides multilingual services would contribute positively to the overall health score. Conversely, a practice with consistently negative patient reviews or limited service offerings would likely detract from the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in evaluating healthcare access in rural communities. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. The extent of telemedicine adoption within 18626, including the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online appointment scheduling, is a key indicator of the community's ability to leverage technology to improve healthcare access. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly enhance the overall health score, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

The availability of mental health resources is an essential component of overall health. Mental health issues are prevalent across all demographics, and access to timely and effective mental healthcare is crucial for overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within 18626 involves evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, as well as the availability of mental health support groups and crisis intervention services. A community with limited mental health resources will inevitably have a lower overall health score. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, where mental health professionals collaborate with primary care physicians, is a positive indicator of a proactive approach to mental healthcare.

To further refine the overall health score, one must consider the demographics of Laporte. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases within the community all influence healthcare needs. A community with a higher proportion of elderly residents, for example, may require more geriatric care and specialized services. Similarly, a community with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, may require more resources for disease management and preventative care.

The overall health score should also account for the quality of healthcare infrastructure, including the presence of hospitals, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. The availability of these resources, along with their accessibility and quality of care, directly impacts the overall health score. The proximity of these facilities to residents of 18626, their hours of operation, and their ability to handle emergencies are all important considerations.

Finally, community outreach and health education initiatives can significantly influence the overall health score. Programs that promote healthy lifestyles, provide preventative care education, and address specific health concerns within the community contribute positively to the overall health and well-being of the residents.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 18626 and primary care availability in Laporte requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, demographic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and community outreach initiatives. The resulting score is not a static number but rather a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape, influenced by ongoing changes and improvements.

If you're interested in visualizing the healthcare landscape of Laporte, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of resources, and other relevant data, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.