18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.02 percent of the residents in 18854 has some form of health insurance. 37.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.88 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 18854 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 340 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18854. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 290 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,896 health care providers accessible to residents in 18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania.

The overall health score for the region encompassing ZIP code 18854, which includes the town of Wysox, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, presents a nuanced picture. Analyzing the health landscape necessitates a deep dive into several key factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the quality and availability of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. These elements, when combined, paint a comprehensive picture of the overall health of the community.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. In rural areas like Wysox, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists can be significantly lower than in urban centers. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potentially, a delay in diagnosis and treatment. While specific, up-to-the-minute data on physician-to-patient ratios within the exact ZIP code can be challenging to obtain due to data privacy and reporting limitations, publicly available resources such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide broader county-level data and indicate whether the area is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Such a designation would signal a shortage of healthcare professionals, impacting the overall health score negatively.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of a robust healthcare system. The presence of accessible and well-regarded primary care practices is vital for preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall population health. Evaluating the quality of primary care involves assessing factors like the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the range of services offered (e.g., preventative screenings, chronic disease management, immunizations), and patient satisfaction levels. Standout practices in the area, based on anecdotal evidence and online reviews, may include those that prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, or have a strong focus on patient education. These practices contribute positively to the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The rise of telemedicine has the potential to improve healthcare access, especially in rural communities where geographical barriers can be a significant obstacle. The availability of telehealth services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, can help bridge the gap in care, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and offer a range of virtual services contribute positively to the overall health score. The extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the local healthcare ecosystem, including the availability of broadband internet access, is a key factor to consider.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is critical for addressing mental health concerns, providing therapy, and managing mental illnesses. The accessibility of mental health services, including the acceptance of insurance, wait times for appointments, and the availability of crisis intervention services, significantly impacts the overall health score. The presence of community-based mental health programs, support groups, and resources for substance abuse treatment also contributes positively.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 18854 and primary care availability in Wysox is likely to be influenced by a complex interplay of these factors. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to primary care, and a lack of telemedicine adoption would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a strong network of primary care physicians, the widespread adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of comprehensive mental health resources would contribute to a higher score. The specific score would depend on the weighting of these factors and the availability of reliable data to quantify each element.

The availability of data is a major challenge in this analysis. Precise data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource utilization within the specific ZIP code can be difficult to obtain. Publicly available resources, such as county health rankings and state health department data, can provide some insights, but they may not offer the granular detail needed for a truly comprehensive assessment. Patient reviews and anecdotal evidence can also provide valuable information, but they are often subjective and may not be representative of the entire population.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wysox and the surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help visualize healthcare access, identify areas with limited resources, and track the distribution of healthcare providers.