18810, Athens, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18810, Athens, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.25 percent of the residents in 18810 has some form of health insurance. 37.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.64 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 18810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18810. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,324 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,893 health care providers accessible to residents in 18810, Athens, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Athens, PA (ZIP Code 18810)

Evaluating the overall health landscape within Athens, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on ZIP code 18810, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including physician availability, healthcare infrastructure, and access to specialized services. We will then formulate an 'Overall Health Score' based on these weighted elements. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current healthcare environment for residents, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement. This analysis also considers the broader availability of primary care within Athens, PA.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in 18810 reveals a critical aspect of healthcare accessibility. While precise figures fluctuate, a higher ratio of patients per PCP often indicates potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent care. This ratio, coupled with the age and distribution of the existing physician workforce, provides a crucial initial assessment. Is there a sufficient number of PCPs to serve the population effectively? Are there any geographical pockets within the ZIP code that experience a shortage of providers? These questions are fundamental to understanding the health needs of the community.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is also essential. Are the existing practices patient-centered? Do they embrace preventative care strategies? Do they offer extended hours or weekend availability to accommodate diverse schedules? The presence of practices that prioritize comprehensive care, including screenings and chronic disease management, significantly elevates the overall health score. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals further enhances care coordination and patient engagement.

Standout practices within 18810, and the broader Athens area, should be identified. These practices serve as benchmarks, demonstrating best practices in patient care. They may excel in areas such as patient satisfaction, chronic disease management outcomes, or the adoption of innovative technologies. Identifying these practices and understanding their operational models can provide valuable insights into improving the overall healthcare ecosystem. These practices serve as models for others to emulate.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, through video consultations or remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine services among providers in 18810 and the broader Athens area reveals the community’s readiness to embrace modern healthcare delivery models. The availability of telemedicine can also mitigate the impact of physician shortages by expanding the reach of existing providers.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for addressing the psychological well-being of the community. Evaluating the number of mental health providers, their accessibility (e.g., accepting new patients, insurance coverage), and the availability of support groups and community mental health programs are crucial components of the health score. A robust mental health infrastructure is essential for addressing the growing needs of the community.

Furthermore, access to specialized care, such as cardiology, dermatology, and gastroenterology, contributes to the overall health score. While primary care forms the foundation, access to specialists is crucial for managing complex health conditions. The availability of specialists within 18810 or in nearby areas (e.g., Sayre, PA) directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate care. The proximity to hospitals and specialty clinics also plays a significant role in this assessment.

The overall health score is derived from a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of mental health resources may be weighted more heavily than the availability of specialized care. The final score provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment in 18810 and the broader Athens area.

The analysis would also consider the availability of community resources such as free clinics, public health programs, and support groups. These resources can bridge gaps in care and provide essential services to vulnerable populations. The presence of these resources enhances the overall health score.

The data used for this analysis should be regularly updated. Healthcare landscapes are dynamic, and changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the emergence of new health programs can significantly impact the overall health score. The ongoing monitoring of these factors is essential for maintaining an accurate and relevant assessment.

In conclusion, the overall health score for 18810 and the broader Athens area is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While a detailed score cannot be definitively assigned without comprehensive data analysis, the framework outlined above provides a roadmap for evaluating the healthcare landscape. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the access to specialized care are essential components of this assessment. By considering these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment and identify areas for improvement.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Athens, PA, and surrounding areas? Explore the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and resource availability with CartoChrome maps.