17724, Canton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17724, Canton, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.52 percent of the residents in 17724 has some form of health insurance. 42.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.82 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 17724 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,130 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17724. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,035 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 71 health care providers accessible to residents in 17724, Canton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Canton, PA (ZIP Code 17724) & Primary Care Accessibility

The analysis focuses on evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care services for individuals managing asthma within the 17724 ZIP code, specifically in Canton, Pennsylvania. This assessment utilizes an "Asthma Score" framework, considering factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of supporting mental health resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, aiding patients in making informed decisions and potentially guiding improvements in local healthcare delivery.

The cornerstone of asthma management is consistent access to primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio within Canton is a critical indicator. A low ratio, reflecting a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially compromised asthma control. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio in 17724 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This data will provide a baseline for assessing accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning more physicians per capita, generally indicates better access.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs is vital. Are physicians concentrated in a single clinic, or are they spread across multiple locations, making access easier for residents in different parts of Canton? Analyzing the geographic distribution helps understand how convenient healthcare is for various segments of the population. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by local practices is a crucial factor. Practices with open appointments and streamlined onboarding processes are more accessible. Conversely, practices with lengthy waiting lists or closed panels can create barriers to timely care.

Evaluating the characteristics of local practices is equally important. Are practices equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for asthma? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists who can provide patient education and support? Practices that embrace evidence-based guidelines and offer comprehensive asthma management programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This includes evaluating the availability of spirometry testing, a crucial tool for assessing lung function.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Assessing telemedicine adoption among Canton’s primary care practices is a key component of the Asthma Score. Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments? Telemedicine can improve access, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters connected to telemedicine platforms, can further enhance asthma control by enabling real-time data collection and proactive intervention.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities that can worsen asthma symptoms and impact overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within or in collaboration with primary care practices is a significant factor. Do practices offer on-site counseling services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work closely with PCPs, can lead to more holistic and effective asthma management.

Identifying standout practices in Canton is essential. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This involves looking at factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, and patient outcomes. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing education, support, and personalized treatment plans, are more likely to achieve positive results. The Asthma Score analysis should identify and highlight these exemplary practices, serving as models for others to emulate.

The Asthma Score should also consider the affordability of care. Evaluating the insurance plans accepted by local practices is crucial. Do practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare? This ensures that healthcare is accessible to all residents, regardless of their financial circumstances. The availability of financial assistance programs for asthma medications and other related expenses is another important consideration.

Finally, the analysis should consider the presence of community resources that support asthma management. This includes local asthma support groups, educational programs offered by community health organizations, and access to resources like the American Lung Association. These resources can provide valuable information, support, and advocacy for individuals with asthma.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape for asthma management in Canton, PA, requires a multifaceted approach. The Asthma Score, incorporating factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and affordability, offers a comprehensive framework for assessing access to quality care. By understanding these key elements, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Canton, PA, and visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides detailed maps that can help you identify the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.