17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.38 percent of the residents in 17237 has some form of health insurance. 25.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.32 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 17237 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17237. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 241 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,629 health care providers accessible to residents in 17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17237 & Mont Alto Primary Care

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 17237, encompassing Mont Alto, requires a multifaceted approach. We need to consider not just the raw number of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and the availability of supporting resources. This analysis will assess the current state of asthma care, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support, all within the context of primary care availability in Mont Alto.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of accessibility. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. However, raw numbers alone don't tell the whole story. The specialty of the physicians, their experience in asthma management, and the presence of specialized asthma clinics are equally important factors. Data on the specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing in the area, along with the estimated population of 17237, is necessary to calculate this ratio accurately. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau would be essential for this calculation.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key metrics. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, patient satisfaction scores, and the implementation of proactive asthma action plans. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide comprehensive education on asthma triggers and medication adherence, and offer readily available resources are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Furthermore, the adoption of innovative technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data sharing and coordinated care, also distinguishes high-performing practices. Researching local physician directories, patient reviews, and potentially contacting the local hospital system (if one exists in Mont Alto) would provide valuable insights into the reputation and practices of individual physicians.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, especially in rural areas like Mont Alto. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and enabling more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with poorly controlled asthma or those living in areas with limited access to specialized care. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires investigating which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the patient populations they serve. Examining practice websites, contacting physician offices, and reviewing local healthcare provider directories can help determine the level of telemedicine integration.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric support, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves investigating whether local practices offer in-house mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals. Examining practice websites, contacting physician offices, and reviewing local healthcare provider directories can help determine the level of mental health integration.

Primary care availability in Mont Alto directly impacts the accessibility of asthma care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients with asthma and play a vital role in diagnosis, initial management, and ongoing monitoring. The presence of a robust primary care network, with a sufficient number of PCPs and readily available appointment slots, is crucial for ensuring timely access to care. Evaluating primary care availability requires assessing the number of PCPs practicing in Mont Alto, their patient load, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. Information about the availability of after-hours or weekend appointments, as well as the ability of PCPs to provide asthma-related education and medication management, is also important.

To gain a complete understanding of the asthma care landscape in 17237, it is essential to gather and analyze data from multiple sources. This includes publicly available information, physician directories, patient reviews, and potentially direct contact with local healthcare providers. The analysis should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall availability of primary care services.

Ultimately, the goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness in the local asthma care system. This information can then be used to inform strategies for improving access to care, enhancing the quality of services, and ultimately, improving the health outcomes of individuals with asthma in Mont Alto. A comprehensive analysis will provide a clearer picture of the current state of asthma care in 17237, which will allow for more informed decisions.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 17237, including the location of physician practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data, identify areas with limited access to care, and make more informed decisions about your healthcare needs.