18655, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18655, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.59 percent of the residents in 18655 has some form of health insurance. 42.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.42 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 18655 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,007 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18655. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,327 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,217 health care providers accessible to residents in 18655, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Shickshinny, PA (ZIP Code 18655)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Shickshinny, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18655) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond the simple presence of physicians. It involves evaluating the accessibility, quality, and breadth of healthcare services available to the community. This analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, ultimately culminating in an "Overall Health Score" assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for Shickshinny necessitates accessing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Publicly available data might be limited to the county level (Luzerne County, in this case), requiring extrapolation to the specific ZIP code, which can introduce inaccuracies. However, even county-level data provides a valuable benchmark. If the ratio is significantly higher than the national or state average, it suggests potential challenges in accessing primary care.

Within Shickshinny, the presence of a primary care practice or practices is crucial. The quality of these practices is determined by factors like the qualifications of the physicians (board certifications, specializations), the range of services offered (preventative care, chronic disease management, etc.), and patient satisfaction. Online reviews, while not always definitive, offer insights into patient experiences. Analyzing these reviews, alongside information from practice websites, can identify standout practices that consistently receive positive feedback and offer comprehensive services. For example, a practice known for its patient-centered approach, experienced physicians, and convenient appointment scheduling would likely score higher than one with a less favorable reputation.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Shickshinny. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and routine care without requiring patients to travel long distances. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access (e.g., user-friendly platforms, insurance coverage). Practices that have embraced telemedicine, especially those offering a wide range of telehealth options, would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of overall health. Mental health issues are prevalent, and access to appropriate care is essential for community well-being. This analysis needs to assess the presence of mental health providers (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within Shickshinny or the immediate surrounding areas. It should also consider the availability of mental health support services, such as support groups, crisis intervention resources, and substance abuse treatment programs. The presence of a comprehensive network of mental health services, including easy access to these services, would significantly boost the "Overall Health Score."

Beyond the direct availability of healthcare providers, the community’s overall health is influenced by broader factors. These include socioeconomic indicators (poverty rates, education levels), access to healthy food options, and environmental factors (air and water quality). While this analysis primarily focuses on healthcare resources, acknowledging these external influences provides a more holistic understanding of the community's health profile. Data on these factors can be obtained from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and local health departments.

The "Overall Health Score" for Shickshinny (ZIP code 18655) is not a single number, but rather a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. A hypothetical scoring system might assign points based on the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and comprehensiveness of primary care practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system, while a lower score would suggest potential areas for improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is favorable, several high-quality primary care practices exist, telemedicine is widely adopted, and comprehensive mental health resources are readily available, the score would be high. Conversely, if the physician-to-patient ratio is poor, few primary care options exist, telemedicine adoption is limited, and mental health resources are scarce, the score would be low.

To further enhance the analysis, it is crucial to consider the specific needs of the community. This involves understanding the demographics of Shickshinny, identifying any prevalent health issues, and assessing the cultural sensitivity of healthcare providers. This would help to ensure that the healthcare services available are tailored to the specific needs of the population.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health landscape in Shickshinny requires a detailed examination of various healthcare resources. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health services are all critical factors. By combining data from various sources and considering the specific needs of the community, a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" can be determined, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Shickshinny.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, population demographics, and other relevant data points within Shickshinny and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful tool for exploring and understanding the spatial relationships between different factors influencing the health of the community. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape by visiting CartoChrome maps today.