17221, Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17221, Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.93 percent of the residents in 17221 has some form of health insurance. 28.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.02 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 17221 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 91 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17221. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 96 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,872 health care providers accessible to residents in 17221, Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within the 17221 ZIP code, encompassing the rural community of Fannettsburg, requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score" analysis is not a standardized metric but rather a composite assessment, considering various factors impacting asthma management. This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care, which is crucial for asthma patients, and other relevant resources. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in this specific area.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Fannettsburg, primary care availability is a significant concern. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to more urbanized regions. This can result in longer wait times for appointments and reduced patient access. The limited number of primary care physicians in the area necessitates a careful evaluation of their capacity to serve the population, particularly those with chronic conditions like asthma.

A key component of the "Asthma Score" analysis is examining the services offered by existing primary care practices. Are they equipped to manage asthma effectively? Do they have the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to assess lung function? Do they offer patient education programs on asthma triggers, medication management, and proper inhaler technique? The practices' adherence to asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is also crucial.

Standout practices within the 17221 ZIP code, if any, would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to asthma care. This includes implementing comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patients. These plans outline daily medication regimens, strategies for managing exacerbations, and guidelines for recognizing and responding to asthma symptoms. Practices that actively monitor patient adherence to these plans and provide regular follow-up appointments would score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the challenges of rural healthcare access. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialized care. Practices that embrace telemedicine for asthma management, such as virtual check-ups and remote monitoring of lung function, would receive a higher score. However, the availability of reliable internet access in Fannettsburg is a potential barrier to telemedicine adoption, requiring consideration.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important factor in the "Asthma Score." The analysis should assess whether primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who understand the complexities of managing asthma and its psychological impact.

The analysis must also consider the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, within a reasonable distance of Fannettsburg. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of specialists. The travel time and ease of access to these specialists impact the overall "Asthma Score."

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the availability of asthma-related educational resources in the community. This includes support groups, educational materials, and programs offered by local health organizations. Patient education is a crucial element of asthma management, empowering patients to take control of their condition and improve their quality of life.

The "Asthma Score" analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing can all exacerbate asthma symptoms. The analysis needs to assess the presence of these factors in Fannettsburg and whether healthcare providers are addressing these social determinants of health. This could involve screening for social needs, connecting patients with community resources, and advocating for policies that improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations.

The analysis should also evaluate the accessibility of asthma medications. Are pharmacies readily available in the area? Are medications affordable, and are patients able to access financial assistance programs if needed? The cost of medications and insurance coverage significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in the 17221 ZIP code requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialists, educational resources, socioeconomic factors, and medication accessibility. A low "Asthma Score" would indicate significant challenges in providing adequate asthma care, while a high score would reflect a more robust and supportive healthcare environment. To gain a visual representation of these factors and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in the area, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. Explore the data and discover the possibilities.