17030, Gratz, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17030, Gratz, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 61.30 percent of the residents in 17030 has some form of health insurance. 38.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 33.44 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 17030 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 213 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 60 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17030. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 74 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,043 health care providers accessible to residents in 17030, Gratz, Pennsylvania.

This analysis focuses on assessing asthma care quality and accessibility for residents within ZIP code 17030 (likely a portion of the Elizabethville, PA area), and the availability of primary care services in the nearby town of Gratz. The evaluation considers factors crucial to effective asthma management, including physician density, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support, all within the context of a hypothetical "Asthma Score" framework.

The "Asthma Score" is a composite metric, not a standardized tool, reflecting the overall quality of asthma care available. It is constructed using several key indicators, each contributing to the overall score. This analysis will not provide a specific numerical score, but rather a qualitative assessment of the factors influencing such a score.

Physician-to-patient ratios form a critical component of the Asthma Score. A higher ratio of patients per primary care physician (PCP) or pulmonologist can negatively impact the score, as it potentially leads to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient during consultations, and decreased opportunities for comprehensive asthma management. Within ZIP code 17030, a review of available data (assuming readily available public resources) would reveal the number of PCPs and pulmonologists practicing in the area and the surrounding regions. This information, combined with population estimates for the service area, would allow for calculating the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a greater availability of physicians, would positively influence the Asthma Score.

Gratz, being a smaller community, likely presents a different picture. Primary care availability is the primary concern. The Asthma Score for Gratz would be significantly impacted by the number of primary care physicians available to the population. The presence of a dedicated primary care practice within Gratz would be a major positive factor, while residents needing to travel to Elizabethville or other surrounding areas for primary care would negatively affect the score, reflecting a reduced accessibility to care.

Standout practices within the 17030 area would be identified based on several factors. These include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists, the availability of specialized asthma clinics, and the adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices actively participating in asthma research or offering patient education programs would further enhance their standing. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, as evidenced by patient reviews and testimonials, would also be considered positively. The Asthma Score would be elevated by the presence of such exemplary practices, indicating a higher level of care quality.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant to asthma management, particularly in rural areas. Practices utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote locations. The ability to remotely monitor patients' asthma symptoms and provide timely interventions can also improve asthma control and reduce the need for emergency room visits. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care protocols would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are essential. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, would receive a higher Asthma Score. The availability of mental health support can improve patients' adherence to treatment plans, reduce asthma exacerbations, and enhance their overall quality of life. The presence of integrated mental health services is a vital component of comprehensive asthma care.

The Asthma Score for both 17030 and Gratz would be further impacted by the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacies that specialize in asthma medications. The ability to access these services easily and efficiently can significantly improve asthma management outcomes. Practices that collaborate with these ancillary providers and facilitate seamless care coordination would contribute positively to the score.

In evaluating the overall Asthma Score, several potential challenges may arise. One is the potential for data scarcity, especially in smaller communities. Publicly available information on physician demographics, practice characteristics, and service availability might be limited. Another is the dynamic nature of healthcare. Physician availability, practice policies, and technological advancements are constantly evolving, requiring ongoing monitoring and updates to maintain the accuracy of the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score is not just a measure of the quality of care, but also a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. A high score indicates a supportive environment where patients have access to high-quality asthma care, including readily available physicians, advanced technologies, and integrated mental health support. Conversely, a low score highlights areas for improvement, such as increasing physician density, expanding telemedicine adoption, and enhancing access to mental health services.

For a more comprehensive visualization of the data discussed, including physician locations, practice locations, and the distribution of healthcare resources within the 17030 area and Gratz, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you analyze the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and develop strategies to improve asthma management and primary care availability. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and improve the health outcomes of your community.