18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania Type 1 Diabetes Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Type 1 Diabetes Score in 18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 18214 has some form of health insurance. 44.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.46 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 18214 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 263 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18214. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 545 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,610 health care providers accessible to residents in 18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania.

## Type 1 Diabetes Score Analysis: Barnesville, PA (ZIP Code 18214)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of primary care physician availability and the overall support system for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes within the Barnesville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18214) area. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care, focusing on key factors that contribute to effective diabetes management. This assessment will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing holistic care.

The foundation of effective Type 1 Diabetes management rests on a strong primary care base. In Barnesville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Determining the exact ratio requires up-to-date data on the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and the total population. Publicly available data sources, such as the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can be used to estimate the population. Physician directories and databases, including those maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) or local hospital systems, are essential for identifying practicing PCPs. A high physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer diabetes outcomes. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to timely and consistent medical attention.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves researching the specific services offered by local medical offices. Are they accepting new patients? Do they have certified diabetes educators (CDEs) on staff? A CDE is a healthcare professional specifically trained to teach individuals with diabetes how to manage their condition effectively. Do these practices offer comprehensive diabetes education programs, including instruction on insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, carbohydrate counting, and the recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia? The presence of these resources significantly improves the quality of care. Additionally, assessing the practice’s commitment to using electronic health records (EHRs) and its ability to share information seamlessly with specialists is vital. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care and improve the efficiency of managing chronic conditions.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Barnesville. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to specialized diabetes care. This includes virtual consultations with endocrinologists, remote glucose monitoring, and virtual diabetes education sessions. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services involves investigating which local practices offer virtual appointments, what platforms they use, and whether they are integrated with the patient's EHR. The ease of use and accessibility of these technologies are also important considerations. The ability to remotely monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin dosages, and receive timely feedback from healthcare professionals can significantly improve diabetes management and reduce the risk of complications.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of diabetes care. Living with Type 1 Diabetes can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Evaluating the availability of mental health support involves assessing whether local primary care practices offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals. Are there psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) in the area who specialize in diabetes-related mental health issues? The presence of these resources is crucial for providing comprehensive care. Access to mental health support can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of diabetes, improve adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately improve overall health outcomes.

Barnesville, like many rural communities, might face challenges in providing the same level of resources as larger urban areas. This analysis will identify any gaps in care and highlight areas where improvements are needed. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable, the analysis will consider the impact on appointment availability and the potential for longer wait times. If telemedicine adoption is limited, the analysis will explore the implications for access to specialized care. If mental health resources are scarce, the analysis will address the potential impact on patient well-being.

The assessment of standout practices will identify those that excel in providing comprehensive diabetes care. This includes practices that have CDEs on staff, offer robust diabetes education programs, and utilize EHRs effectively. This information is crucial for patients seeking the best possible care. These practices will be highlighted as models for others to emulate.

The analysis will also consider the role of community resources, such as support groups, diabetes education programs offered by local hospitals or health organizations, and access to affordable insulin and supplies. These resources can play a vital role in supporting individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and improving their quality of life.

The final ‘Type 1 Diabetes Score’ for Barnesville will be a composite score based on the factors discussed. It will provide a clear and concise overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in supporting individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. This score can then be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the areas that need improvement.

For a detailed visual representation of the data and a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Barnesville, PA, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and available resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual overview of the healthcare infrastructure, allowing you to assess accessibility and identify potential gaps in care.