18820, Gibson, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18820, Gibson, Pennsylvania is 0 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.06 percent of the residents in 18820 has some form of health insurance. 13.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.12 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 18820 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18820. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 149 health care providers accessible to residents in 18820, Gibson, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Gibson, PA (ZIP Code 18820)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Gibson, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on ZIP code 18820, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The initial assessment begins with primary care availability. Gibson, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be crucial in determining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 18820 ZIP code. This number, when compared to the population size, will provide a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, would negatively impact the overall health score. Conversely, a higher ratio would contribute positively.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these PCPs must be considered. Are the practices concentrated in one area, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Uneven distribution could create access barriers for residents in more remote areas, further affecting the overall health score. Factors such as transportation availability and the presence of public transportation options also play a role in accessibility.

Physician-to-patient ratios are critical indicators of healthcare access. National averages provide a benchmark for comparison. If Gibson's ratio falls significantly below the national average, it suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. This would negatively impact the overall health score. Conversely, a ratio exceeding the national average would suggest greater accessibility, contributing positively to the score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by the existing practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires research into patient reviews, accreditations, and the range of services offered. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs? Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would positively influence the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant factor in modern healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural settings. Does Gibson have practices that offer telehealth consultations? This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking follow-up care. The availability and utilization of telemedicine services would positively impact the overall health score. The ease of access and the types of services offered through telemedicine should be considered.

Mental health resources are another critical component of overall health. The analysis must assess the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors within the 18820 ZIP code. Are there mental health clinics or support groups available? The prevalence of mental health issues is a concern across the nation, and the availability of local resources directly impacts the overall health score. A lack of mental health services would negatively impact the score, while a robust network of support would contribute positively. The specific services offered, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management, must be considered.

The analysis should also consider the integration of mental health services with primary care. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals work alongside PCPs, can improve patient outcomes and access to care. This integration would positively impact the overall health score.

Data sources for this analysis will include the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and online physician directories. Patient reviews from platforms such as Healthgrades and Zocdoc will also be analyzed to assess patient satisfaction and practice quality. Local community resources, such as the Gibson Township website and local community centers, may provide additional information.

The "Overall Health Score" will be a composite metric, taking into account all the factors discussed. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape within Gibson. The score will not be a simple average; it will incorporate weighting based on the relative importance of each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of mental health resources might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption.

The final score will be accompanied by a detailed narrative, explaining the rationale behind the score and highlighting specific strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The narrative will offer specific recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health resources.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for Gibson, PA (ZIP code 18820) requires a comprehensive investigation. The analysis must consider primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The final score will provide a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare landscape, identifying areas of strength and areas needing improvement.
To visually understand the healthcare landscape of Gibson, PA, and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and interactive visualization of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of healthcare access and availability.