18845, Stevensville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18845, Stevensville, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.76 percent of the residents in 18845 has some form of health insurance. 59.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.41 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 18845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18845. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 154 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 603 health care providers accessible to residents in 18845, Stevensville, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Stevensville, PA (ZIP Code 18845)

Evaluating the overall health landscape in Stevensville, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the number of doctors but also the accessibility, quality, and breadth of available healthcare services. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' for the area, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. While a precise numerical score is difficult to quantify without proprietary data, we can establish a relative ranking and identify key strengths and weaknesses.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of a healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Stevensville (ZIP Code 18845), understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population by the number of practicing PCPs, indicates the potential workload each physician faces. A high ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses.

Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be used to estimate the population of 18845. Then, data from medical directories, insurance provider websites, and local healthcare facilities can be gathered to determine the number of practicing PCPs. The resulting ratio provides a baseline understanding of primary care access. A favorable ratio (lower number) suggests better access, while a less favorable ratio (higher number) indicates potential challenges.

The geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also important. Are physicians concentrated in one area, leaving others underserved? Are there transportation barriers that further limit access for certain populations? These factors must be considered when assessing primary care availability.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care offered by local practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves assessing factors such as:

* **Accreditation:** Are the practices accredited by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)? Accreditation signifies adherence to specific quality standards.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Analyzing these reviews can reveal strengths and weaknesses in areas like patient communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction.
* **Specialty Availability:** Does the area have a good mix of primary care physicians, specialists (e.g., cardiologists, endocrinologists), and other healthcare professionals (e.g., physical therapists, mental health therapists)? A comprehensive healthcare ecosystem allows for better coordinated care.
* **Preventive Care Focus:** Do practices emphasize preventive care, such as regular checkups, screenings, and vaccinations? A focus on prevention can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
* **Use of Technology:** Do practices utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals? These technologies can improve communication, streamline administrative processes, and enhance patient engagement.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine in Stevensville is a critical factor in assessing the 'Overall Health Score'. Telemedicine can improve access to care by:

* **Reducing Geographic Barriers:** Patients can consult with physicians regardless of their location, eliminating the need for travel.
* **Expanding Access to Specialists:** Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Improving Convenience:** Patients can access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing time off work and childcare challenges.

Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves determining which local practices offer telehealth services, what types of services are available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use of these platforms. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is also a crucial consideration.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The availability and accessibility of mental health resources in Stevensville significantly impact the 'Overall Health Score'. Assessing this involves:

* **Number of Mental Health Professionals:** The number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors in the area is a key indicator.
* **Availability of Mental Health Services:** Do local practices and healthcare facilities offer mental health services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management?
* **Accessibility of Services:** Are mental health services affordable and accessible to all residents, regardless of their income or insurance coverage?
* **Support for Specific Populations:** Are there specialized mental health services for children, adolescents, veterans, or other specific populations?
* **Integration with Primary Care:** Do primary care practices have integrated mental health services or strong referral pathways to mental health providers?

**Overall Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, Stevensville's 'Overall Health Score' will be determined by the interplay of these elements. A high score would indicate a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in these areas, such as limited access to primary care, a lack of specialized services, or a shortage of mental health professionals.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper, more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stevensville, PA (ZIP Code 18845), explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome Maps offers a dynamic platform to analyze and map healthcare data, providing valuable insights into physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability. Use CartoChrome Maps to visualize the data discussed, identify areas of need, and develop strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes in Stevensville.