17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.49 percent of the residents in 17763 has some form of health insurance. 47.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.75 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 17763 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17763. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 555 health care providers accessible to residents in 17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on asthma care quality within the ZIP code 17763, specifically in the context of primary care availability in Ralston, Pennsylvania. This region presents a unique challenge due to its rural nature, potentially impacting access to specialized care and resources. We will assess the landscape through the lens of an "Asthma Score," a hypothetical metric encompassing various factors crucial for effective asthma management. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of holistic asthma care.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Ralston, and the broader 17763 ZIP code, are likely a significant concern. Rural areas often face shortages of primary care physicians and specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists, who are vital for asthma diagnosis and treatment. A low physician-to-patient ratio translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized expertise, and potentially, delayed or inadequate asthma management. This scarcity can lead to increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, negatively impacting the Asthma Score. The analysis would ideally incorporate data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to quantify these ratios and identify areas of greatest need.

The identification of standout practices within the region is crucial. These practices would demonstrate exemplary asthma care, possibly through adherence to national guidelines, patient education programs, and comprehensive treatment plans. Features of standout practices could include: dedicated asthma educators, readily available spirometry testing, and the use of asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs. Such practices might employ electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and facilitate communication between physicians and patients. The Asthma Score would give significant weight to the presence and quality of such practices.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in rural settings. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. For patients with asthma, telemedicine can be utilized for virtual consultations, medication management, and education sessions. The Asthma Score would consider the extent of telemedicine adoption by local practices, including the types of services offered and the accessibility of these services to patients. Practices offering virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and educational resources would receive higher marks.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as integral to asthma management. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The Asthma Score would evaluate the availability of mental health services within the region, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or referrals to mental health specialists, would contribute positively to the score. The analysis would consider the presence of integrated mental health services within primary care, or readily available referral pathways.

The Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of these factors. It would be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare resources and practices evolve. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma care, characterized by adequate physician access, the presence of high-quality practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health support. A lower score would signal areas requiring improvement, highlighting the need for increased physician recruitment, expansion of telemedicine services, and enhanced mental health resources.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Ralston is critical to this analysis. Ralston, being a rural community within the 17763 ZIP code, likely experiences the challenges associated with limited access to healthcare. The analysis would focus on the number of primary care physicians serving the Ralston population, the availability of appointments, and the presence of any specific programs or initiatives aimed at improving access to care for asthma patients. The proximity of Ralston residents to primary care facilities, and the travel time required to access them, would also be considered.

The Asthma Score for 17763, and specifically Ralston, would be influenced by the level of integration between primary care providers and specialists. Effective asthma management often requires a collaborative approach, with primary care physicians acting as the first point of contact and specialists providing expert consultation and treatment. The Asthma Score would assess the extent of this collaboration, including the use of shared electronic health records, regular communication between providers, and the implementation of coordinated care plans.

The analysis would also consider the patient perspective. While quantitative data (physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates) is important, understanding the patient experience is equally crucial. Patient satisfaction surveys, feedback from patient advocacy groups, and anecdotal evidence can provide valuable insights into the quality of asthma care in the region. The Asthma Score would incorporate this qualitative data, reflecting the overall experience of patients in accessing and managing their asthma.

The final Asthma Score would be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients. It would identify strengths and weaknesses in the asthma care landscape, highlighting areas where resources should be directed to improve patient outcomes. It would also provide a benchmark for measuring progress over time. The score could be used to advocate for improved healthcare access, promote the adoption of best practices, and empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17763, and visualize the factors contributing to the Asthma Score, explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for exploring healthcare data, allowing you to visualize physician distribution, practice locations, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. With CartoChrome, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the asthma care environment in Ralston and beyond.