17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.29 percent of the residents in 17729 has some form of health insurance. 53.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.90 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 17729 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17729. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 50 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1 health care providers accessible to residents in 17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP code 17729, encompassing Cross Fork, Pennsylvania, with a specific emphasis on asthma management. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an asthma score ranking for the area.

ZIP code 17729, a predominantly rural area, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The vast geographical distances and limited population density often translate to lower physician-to-patient ratios compared to urban centers. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Cross Fork requires accessing current data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. This data is dynamic and needs constant updating. However, we can infer that the ratio is likely higher than the national average, suggesting potential difficulties in accessing timely primary care appointments. This is a significant factor in asthma management, where regular check-ups and prompt treatment are crucial for controlling the condition.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key factors. These include the availability of board-certified physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics, all of whom can play a role in asthma care. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma management programs, including spirometry testing, asthma education, and personalized action plans, would score higher. Furthermore, the practice's responsiveness to patient needs, measured by appointment availability, wait times, and after-hours care, is crucial. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education related to asthma and adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) also deserve recognition.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical area to evaluate. In rural areas, telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, providing patients with access to specialists and routine check-ups without the need for extensive travel. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management through online platforms, would receive a higher score. This is particularly important for asthma patients, as it allows for regular monitoring of their condition and quick intervention when symptoms flare up. The ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine with the practice's existing electronic health record (EHR) system are all factors that contribute to the overall effectiveness of telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of asthma management. 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 services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, is crucial. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their asthma care programs, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, would score higher. The accessibility of these services, including insurance coverage and wait times, is also a critical consideration.

Creating an asthma score ranking for doctors in ZIP code 17729 requires a comprehensive data collection and analysis process. This would involve contacting local practices, gathering information on their services, and evaluating their adherence to asthma management guidelines. The score would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a greater availability of high-quality asthma care.

The analysis would need to consider the specific needs of the Cross Fork community. This includes the demographics of the population, the prevalence of asthma, and the socioeconomic factors that may impact access to care. It is important to consider that some patients may need to travel to other towns to receive care. This analysis would need to account for that.

This detailed analysis would provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Cross Fork. It would also highlight areas where improvements are needed to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality asthma care. This information could be used to inform healthcare policy, guide resource allocation, and empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Ultimately, assessing the healthcare landscape of a rural community like Cross Fork requires a holistic approach. It’s a complex interplay of factors. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in this area is critical to improving the lives of those living with asthma and other chronic conditions.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you explore the data visually, identifying areas with high and low scores, and highlighting potential disparities in access to care.