18822, Hallstead, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18822, Hallstead, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.39 percent of the residents in 18822 has some form of health insurance. 44.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.78 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 18822 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18822. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 644 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 255 health care providers accessible to residents in 18822, Hallstead, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Hallstead, PA (ZIP Code 18822)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Hallstead, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18822) requires a multifaceted analysis. This evaluation goes beyond simply counting doctors; it delves into the critical factors influencing access to and quality of primary care, mental health support, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide an informed "Overall Health Score" that reflects the community's current state and identifies areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. A crucial metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, a general guideline suggests a desirable ratio of around 1:1000. Hallstead's performance against this benchmark necessitates thorough investigation. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from local healthcare providers and insurance companies, is essential to establish an accurate ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare system.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of primary care physicians is critical. Even with a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, if doctors are concentrated in one area of the ZIP code, residents in other areas may face significant travel distances, especially for those with limited transportation options or mobility issues. This spatial analysis requires mapping the locations of all primary care practices within the ZIP code and evaluating their accessibility for all residents.

Identifying standout practices within Hallstead is a key component of the analysis. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative screenings), and the adoption of innovative technologies. Practices that embrace electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals often demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and patient engagement. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs or collaborate with local organizations to address health disparities deserve recognition.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant indicator of healthcare modernization. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, provide remote monitoring, and offer online patient education can significantly enhance access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care practices in Hallstead offer telemedicine services, the types of services available via telemedicine, and the level of patient utilization. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

Mental health resources are a crucial element of overall health. Access to mental health services is often a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas. The analysis must examine the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within Hallstead and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, it should assess the presence of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is a particularly positive indicator, as it can help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and improve access to care.

The presence of specialized healthcare services, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology, also contributes to the overall health score. While primary care forms the foundation of healthcare, access to specialists is essential for managing complex medical conditions. The analysis should identify the availability of these specialists within Hallstead or in nearby communities, considering travel times and referral processes.

The analysis must also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and inadequate housing can all contribute to poor health. The analysis should examine the socioeconomic profile of Hallstead, including poverty rates, educational attainment levels, and access to healthy food options. These factors can significantly impact the community's overall health score.

Data sources for this comprehensive analysis will include: the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the US Census Bureau, local healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient satisfaction surveys. Analyzing this data will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Hallstead. The final "Overall Health Score" will be a composite metric, weighted based on the importance of each factor.

The final score will reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in primary care availability, mental health resources, telemedicine adoption, and other critical factors. The analysis will provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding mental health services, or promoting the adoption of telemedicine. The analysis will also identify successful practices and programs that can serve as models for others.

In conclusion, understanding the health landscape of Hallstead, PA (ZIP Code 18822) requires a deep dive into the availability and quality of healthcare services. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the current state of healthcare in the community and identifying areas for improvement. The final “Overall Health Score” will provide a valuable benchmark for tracking progress and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.

Are you interested in visualizing this data and exploring the healthcare landscape of Hallstead and surrounding areas in a dynamic, interactive map? **Click here to explore the potential of CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of your community's health resources.**