17764, Renovo, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17764, Renovo, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.01 percent of the residents in 17764 has some form of health insurance. 57.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.08 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 17764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 409 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 576 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 203 health care providers accessible to residents in 17764, Renovo, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Renovo, PA (ZIP Code 17764)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Renovo, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17764) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, their specific expertise in asthma management, and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis will attempt to create an "Asthma Score" for Renovo, considering the limitations of publicly available data and the challenges of a rural healthcare environment.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Renovo, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Rural areas often grapple with a shortage of healthcare professionals, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to regular check-ups. While precise physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to ascertain without proprietary data, public resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). If Renovo is designated an HPSA for primary care, it immediately lowers the Asthma Score, indicating a significant barrier to care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the qualifications and experience of available physicians are paramount. Ideally, primary care physicians should have a strong understanding of asthma management, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient education. This includes familiarity with current guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Further, the Asthma Score should consider whether physicians actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) related to asthma and respiratory illnesses.

Identifying standout practices within Renovo is crucial. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma care might implement several best practices. These could include the use of standardized asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, and patient education sessions focused on inhaler technique and environmental control. Practices that have dedicated staff, such as certified asthma educators, would significantly boost their score. Such practices would be considered “high-scoring” for their dedication to quality asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for asthma management would receive a higher score, particularly if they offer remote monitoring of lung function or virtual asthma education programs. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine also hinges on reliable internet access, which can be a challenge in rural areas.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score should consider the availability of mental health services within Renovo and the extent to which primary care physicians collaborate with mental health professionals. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would receive a higher score. The presence of support groups or educational programs addressing the psychological impact of asthma also adds value.

Evaluating the availability of specialized asthma care is also important. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists or allergists is beneficial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. If Renovo lacks such specialists, the Asthma Score would be negatively impacted, highlighting the need for referrals to specialists in nearby communities. The efficiency of referral processes is also important.

The Asthma Score should also consider the availability of ancillary resources. This includes access to pharmacies that carry a wide range of asthma medications, as well as respiratory therapists who can provide education and support. The presence of community health programs that focus on asthma prevention and management would further enhance the score.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should reflect the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, poor housing conditions, and environmental factors can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The score should consider the prevalence of these factors within Renovo and the availability of resources to address them. This could include programs that provide assistance with housing, heating, and access to healthy food.

In conclusion, generating a comprehensive Asthma Score for Renovo requires a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape. It involves assessing physician availability and expertise, the adoption of best practices, the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, and the availability of specialized care and ancillary services. The score must also consider the socioeconomic factors that impact asthma outcomes. The limitations of public data make this an ongoing process.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Renovo, including the locations of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we recommend exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable visual aid for understanding the accessibility of healthcare services in the area.