17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.27 percent of the residents in 17723 has some form of health insurance. 36.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.16 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 17723 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17723. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 585 health care providers accessible to residents in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care access within the specified geographical parameters. Evaluating physician availability, resource allocation, and innovative healthcare delivery methods will provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cammal, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area. This assessment aims to offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17723 and Primary Care Availability in Cammal**

Assessing the availability and quality of asthma care in ZIP Code 17723, encompassing the Cammal area, requires a multifaceted approach. A crucial starting point is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and reduced access to specialized care, all of which negatively impact asthma management. The lack of readily available specialists can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase the likelihood of emergency room visits.

Cammal, being a rural community, likely faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention. This geographic limitation often results in fewer healthcare providers compared to urban areas. To mitigate this, examining the presence of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) becomes essential. These healthcare professionals can provide a significant portion of primary care services, including asthma management, thus supplementing the availability of physicians. Their integration into the healthcare system can improve access to care, particularly for those living in remote locations.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is vital. These practices often demonstrate excellence in asthma management through several factors. This includes the use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and proactive monitoring of asthma control. Practices employing certified asthma educators (CAEs) provide invaluable support to patients, teaching them self-management techniques and ensuring they understand their medications and triggers. The presence of these resources significantly improves patient outcomes and reduces the burden of asthma.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine by practices in 17723 is critical. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. This is especially beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like asthma, enabling them to receive timely care without the barriers of geography or transportation. The integration of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters and symptom trackers, further enhances telemedicine capabilities, allowing physicians to proactively manage patients' conditions.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory illness, often coexists with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is crucial. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), who can provide integrated care. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are embedded within the primary care setting, can improve patient outcomes by addressing both physical and mental health needs.

Specific practices in the area should be investigated to assess their asthma management protocols. This includes reviewing their patient education materials, medication adherence programs, and strategies for identifying and managing asthma triggers. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) allows for better tracking of patient data, facilitating more effective asthma management. Analyzing the use of EHRs to monitor patient outcomes, such as exacerbation rates and emergency room visits, can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of care.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, needs assessment. Allergies are a common trigger for asthma, and accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential for controlling symptoms. The presence of allergists or pulmonologists who offer these services is critical for comprehensive asthma management.

Primary care availability in Cammal itself is a key factor. The town's small size and rural setting may pose challenges to healthcare access. Analyzing the number of PCPs practicing within Cammal or in close proximity is necessary. The presence of a local clinic or health center can significantly improve access to care for residents. Evaluating the clinic's services, including its hours of operation, appointment availability, and staffing levels, will provide a clearer picture of its impact on primary care access.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the Cammal population. Understanding the age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases within the community can help tailor healthcare services to meet specific needs. For example, a higher prevalence of asthma among children or the elderly may necessitate specific programs and resources.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for the area will be a composite score reflecting various factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices. The score will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17723 and the Cammal area.

In conclusion, a thorough assessment of asthma care and primary care availability in ZIP Code 17723 and Cammal reveals a complex healthcare landscape. Addressing the challenges of physician shortages, geographic limitations, and the need for integrated care is essential for improving patient outcomes. Understanding the specific needs of the Cammal community is critical to developing effective healthcare solutions.

To visualize the healthcare resources and access in the area, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to understand the distribution of healthcare providers, identify areas with limited access, and visualize population demographics.