18925, Furlong, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 18925, Furlong, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.87 percent of the residents in 18925 has some form of health insurance. 15.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.86 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 18925 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,000 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18925. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 893 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,736 health care providers accessible to residents in 18925, Furlong, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Furlong, PA (ZIP Code 18925)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Furlong, PA area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, mental health resources, and the adoption of telemedicine. The analysis considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, and the integration of technology to improve healthcare access.

The assessment begins with the fundamental element: the availability of primary care physicians. In Furlong (ZIP Code 18925), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of accessibility. While precise figures fluctuate, a general estimate suggests a moderate ratio. This means that while the area isn't necessarily underserved, it also doesn't boast an abundance of primary care providers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially limited choices for patients seeking a new primary care physician. This moderate ratio is a key factor in the overall health score calculation.

Several practices within the 18925 ZIP code demonstrate commendable qualities. These practices are often characterized by a patient-centered approach, emphasizing preventative care and chronic disease management. The best of these practices are known for their commitment to building strong doctor-patient relationships, offering extended office hours, and providing comprehensive services. They often have a strong reputation for patient satisfaction, reflected in online reviews and community feedback. These standout practices significantly contribute to raising the overall health score for the area.

Telemedicine adoption is another important aspect of the health score analysis. The ability to access healthcare services remotely has become increasingly important, especially in areas with moderate physician-to-patient ratios. The extent to which practices in Furlong have embraced telemedicine varies. Some practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals for appointment scheduling and communication. The practices that have fully integrated telemedicine capabilities tend to score higher in the overall health assessment, as they provide greater convenience and accessibility for patients. This is particularly relevant for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and addressing minor health concerns.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is a significant factor in the health score. The Furlong area has a mixed landscape in terms of mental health services. While some practices integrate mental health services directly, others rely on referrals to external providers. This can create challenges for patients seeking mental healthcare, including potential delays in accessing care and navigating the referral process. The presence of community mental health centers and support groups is a positive indicator, but the overall availability of mental health resources is an area for potential improvement.

The integration of technology plays a significant role in the health score. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to manage patient information, facilitate communication, and improve care coordination tend to score higher. EHRs enable physicians to access patient medical histories quickly, reduce medication errors, and improve communication with other healthcare providers. The adoption of patient portals, which allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their physicians online, is another positive factor. The extent to which practices have embraced these technologies influences the overall health score.

The accessibility of specialized care is another factor considered in the health score. While this analysis primarily focuses on primary care, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, is an important aspect of overall healthcare. The proximity of Furlong to larger medical centers and hospitals, which often offer a wider range of specialized services, can positively impact the health score. The ease of access to these specialized services, whether through referrals from primary care physicians or direct access, is a consideration.

The health score is also influenced by the availability of preventative care services. Practices that emphasize preventative care, such as routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations, tend to score higher. These services are crucial for early detection of health problems and preventing chronic diseases. The availability of these services, along with patient education programs, is an important factor in the overall health assessment.

The overall health score for Furlong, PA (ZIP Code 18925) is a composite of these various factors. While the area benefits from some standout practices and the proximity to larger medical centers, the moderate physician-to-patient ratio and the variability in mental health resource availability present challenges. The adoption of telemedicine is improving, but there is room for further integration. The practices that have embraced technology and prioritized patient-centered care are contributing positively to the overall health score.

The health score is dynamic and can change over time. The ongoing efforts of healthcare providers to improve access to care, integrate technology, and address the needs of the community will continue to shape the overall health landscape of Furlong. The community’s access to quality healthcare is an ongoing process.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Furlong, PA, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the location of physician practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare accessibility in the area.