17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 58.17 percent of the residents in 17004 has some form of health insurance. 27.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.12 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 17004 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,873 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17004. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 956 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities. This analysis delves into the availability of quality primary care, a critical factor in asthma management, within ZIP Code 17004 (Belleville, PA) and its surrounding areas. We'll evaluate the healthcare landscape, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all crucial for effective asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Belleville and the broader Mifflin County region presents a challenge. Rural areas often struggle with physician shortages, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potential difficulties in accessing specialized care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend indicates a need for more primary care physicians to adequately serve the population. This scarcity can strain existing practices and potentially affect the quality of care, particularly for patients requiring frequent check-ups and medication adjustments.

Analyzing specific practices within and near 17004 reveals variations in their approach to asthma management. Some practices may have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses, offering more comprehensive care. Others might focus on a broader range of primary care services, potentially requiring patients with asthma to navigate a more general healthcare system. Identifying practices with a strong focus on respiratory health, including access to spirometry testing and asthma education programs, is vital. Reviews and patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered by each practice, including the responsiveness of staff and the clarity of communication regarding asthma management plans.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care in areas with limited access to physicians. Remote consultations, virtual monitoring of peak flow meter readings, and online educational resources can empower patients to manage their condition more effectively. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer greater flexibility and convenience, especially for routine follow-up appointments and medication refills. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors like patient access to technology, digital literacy, and the availability of reliable internet connectivity, particularly in rural settings. Evaluating the level of telemedicine integration within practices in the area is therefore crucial for understanding the accessibility and quality of asthma care.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the challenges of managing a chronic illness can contribute to mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore an important consideration. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals can provide more holistic care for patients with asthma. Assessing the extent to which practices address the mental health needs of their patients is essential for evaluating the overall quality of asthma management.

A comprehensive asthma score for doctors in 17004 would need to consider several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio in the area serves as a foundational metric. Practices with lower ratios would be penalized, reflecting the potential for increased patient load and reduced access. The presence of specialized asthma care, such as dedicated specialists or nurses, would significantly boost the score. Practices offering comprehensive asthma education programs and readily available spirometry testing would also receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption would be another critical component. Practices actively using telemedicine for asthma management, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, would receive a substantial boost. The availability of mental health resources, either on-site or through established referral pathways, would further enhance the score. A practice demonstrating a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of its patients would be considered to be providing a higher level of care.

Conversely, practices with limited access to specialized asthma care, a lack of telemedicine integration, and inadequate mental health resources would receive lower scores. Practices with poor patient reviews or a history of complaints regarding asthma management would also be penalized. The overall score would reflect the practice's ability to provide comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered asthma care.

Primary care availability in Belleville, PA, is a multifaceted issue. The geographical distribution of practices, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of evening or weekend appointments all contribute to accessibility. Analyzing the physical locations of primary care practices in relation to the population distribution within 17004 is important. Practices located in easily accessible areas, with convenient parking and public transportation options, would score higher.

The acceptance of various insurance plans is also a critical factor. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, ensure that more residents can access care. Practices that offer flexible appointment scheduling, including evening or weekend hours, further enhance accessibility.

The ability to provide prompt care is also a key consideration. Practices with shorter wait times for appointments and a responsive communication system would be considered more accessible. The overall score for primary care availability would reflect the ease with which residents of Belleville can access quality healthcare services.

The healthcare landscape in 17004 and surrounding areas presents both challenges and opportunities for asthma management. While physician shortages and limited access to specialized care are concerns, the potential for telemedicine and the growing recognition of the link between asthma and mental health offer avenues for improvement. By carefully evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice-specific offerings, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, a more accurate assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care can be achieved.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Belleville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing the data and identifying areas where improvements in asthma care are most needed.