19013, Chester, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 19013, Chester, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.17 percent of the residents in 19013 has some form of health insurance. 53.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.18 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 19013 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,711 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19013. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,718 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 21,620 health care providers accessible to residents in 19013, Chester, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Chester, PA (ZIP Code 19013)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment for the healthcare landscape in Chester, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care within the 19013 ZIP code. We will delve into several key areas: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on accessible and readily available primary care physicians. In Chester, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate and are often difficult to obtain due to data privacy and reporting lags, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. These figures are often benchmarked against national averages. Chester, like many urban areas with socioeconomic challenges, likely faces a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to wealthier suburban communities. This means a higher patient load per physician, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time for individual patient care. This scarcity impacts overall health outcomes, particularly for those with chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring.

Identifying "standout practices" is crucial. These are healthcare providers demonstrating excellence in patient care, innovation, and community engagement. Factors considered include patient satisfaction scores (often gathered through surveys), the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination, and the implementation of preventative care programs. Specific practices that may stand out in the Chester area could include those affiliated with larger hospital systems, as these often have greater resources and access to specialized services. Another factor is the practice's commitment to culturally competent care, especially given the diverse population of Chester. Practices that actively engage with the community through outreach programs and health education initiatives are also likely to be considered standout providers.

Telemedicine adoption is a key indicator of healthcare accessibility and modernization. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine across the country, and its continued presence in Chester is a key indicator of healthcare innovation. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to care for patients with mobility issues, those living in underserved areas, and those who may struggle to take time off work. It also facilitates remote monitoring of chronic conditions and allows for more frequent check-ins with healthcare providers. The level of telemedicine adoption is assessed by examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring technologies, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing healthcare systems. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to have a higher Overall Health Score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health services in Chester is a critical factor in the community's well-being. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, as well as the availability of mental health support groups and crisis intervention services. The accessibility of these resources, including affordability (accepting various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare), and the ability to provide culturally competent care, are important considerations. Additionally, the integration of mental health services into primary care settings is an indicator of a more holistic approach to patient care. The presence of these services and the ease with which they can be accessed directly impacts the Overall Health Score.

The Overall Health Score for Chester, PA (19013) is a complex calculation. It is not a simple numerical score, but rather a holistic assessment that considers all the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the degree of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to this assessment. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of high-quality practices, a high degree of telemedicine adoption, and a robust network of mental health resources would contribute to a higher Overall Health Score. Conversely, a shortage of primary care physicians, limited telemedicine options, and inadequate mental health services would negatively impact the score.

The healthcare landscape in Chester is dynamic. Regular monitoring of these factors is essential to track progress and identify areas needing improvement. The ongoing efforts of healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government are critical to improving the Overall Health Score for the residents of Chester. The focus on improving access to care, promoting preventative health measures, and addressing the social determinants of health will be key to improving outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Chester, including the geographic distribution of providers, the availability of services, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual tool for understanding the healthcare environment, identifying areas of need, and making informed decisions about healthcare access and delivery. They can help reveal the spatial relationships between healthcare resources and the population they serve.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Chester, PA (19013), explore the interactive maps and data visualizations available through CartoChrome. This will provide a more granular view of the healthcare resources available in your community.