17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.27 percent of the residents in 17024 has some form of health insurance. 29.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.28 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 17024 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 498 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17024. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 374 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,471 health care providers accessible to residents in 17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within the Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania ZIP code 17024. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for residents.

Elliottsburg, a small community in Perry County, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The area's rural nature often translates to lower physician density compared to urban centers. Access to specialized care, including pulmonology and allergy specialists crucial for asthma management, can be limited, requiring patients to travel significant distances. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the first point of contact and often manage chronic conditions like asthma. Their availability and the quality of their services significantly impact patient outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. In 17024, the ratio for primary care physicians likely reflects the broader rural healthcare landscape. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) suggests potential shortages in rural areas. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care quality. This necessitates careful examination of practice efficiency and the utilization of alternative care models.

Assessing the performance of individual practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Factors to consider include patient satisfaction scores, which can be obtained through surveys and online reviews. The percentage of patients receiving recommended asthma management interventions, such as regular spirometry testing and medication adherence counseling, is also essential. The adoption of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), should be a key metric. While specific practice-level data may be difficult to obtain publicly, analyzing the overall performance of healthcare providers in the area is crucial.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the challenges of rural healthcare access. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. Its application in asthma management includes virtual follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows are likely to provide better access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living far from healthcare facilities. The extent of telemedicine adoption within 17024 should be assessed, considering the types of services offered and the patient population utilizing these services.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and its connection to asthma management is increasingly recognized. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a significant factor. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Primary care practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have strong referral networks to mental health providers are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The assessment should consider the presence of mental health services within the community and the integration of these services with primary care and asthma management.

Identifying standout practices within 17024 involves analyzing several factors. Practices that demonstrate high patient satisfaction, strong adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and effective use of telemedicine are likely to be leading providers. Those with integrated mental health services, or strong partnerships with mental health providers, are also likely to be providing superior care. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews, quality metrics, and practice websites, can offer insights into the performance of individual practices.

Evaluating the effectiveness of asthma management requires considering the availability of asthma education programs. These programs empower patients to understand their condition, manage their medications, and recognize and respond to asthma exacerbations. Practices that offer or refer patients to asthma education programs are likely to be providing more comprehensive care. The assessment should determine the availability of these programs within the community and the extent to which practices utilize them.

The specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources in 17024 may be challenging to obtain in their entirety. Publicly available sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and online physician directories provide some information. Data from local hospitals and healthcare systems can also be valuable. However, a comprehensive analysis often requires accessing proprietary data and conducting targeted research.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the patient population. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity can influence healthcare needs and access. Understanding the specific needs of the community is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve asthma care and primary care accessibility. The analysis should consider the prevalence of asthma within the community and the specific challenges faced by different patient groups.

The overall goal of this assessment is to provide a clear picture of the current state of asthma care and primary care availability in Elliottsburg. This information can be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to address healthcare disparities. The final analysis should include actionable recommendations for improving care quality and access.

CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources in the area. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, practice performance metrics, and access to mental health services. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in 17024.