17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.68 percent of the residents in 17812 has some form of health insurance. 44.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.34 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 17812 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 427 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17812. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 341 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 616 health care providers accessible to residents in 17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Beaver Springs, PA (ZIP Code 17812)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17812) requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when focusing on asthma management and primary care access. This analysis will explore the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of asthma care, and examine the integration of modern healthcare practices, including telemedicine and mental health support. This will culminate in an Asthma Score assessment and a call to action.

The core of effective asthma management hinges on readily accessible primary care. In Beaver Springs, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care. This is especially concerning for chronic conditions like asthma, where consistent monitoring and medication adjustments are essential for controlling symptoms and preventing exacerbations. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 17812 ZIP code is paramount. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide valuable insights.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is crucial. Are practices geographically dispersed, ensuring accessibility for residents across the area? Are there practices that accept a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, to serve the diverse population of Beaver Springs? Examining the availability of evening and weekend appointments is also important, as this can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely care, particularly for acute asthma episodes.

Identifying standout practices within the community is crucial. These practices may demonstrate excellence in asthma management through various means. They might employ certified asthma educators who provide patients with personalized training on medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-management techniques. They might utilize standardized asthma action plans, tailored to individual patient needs. Furthermore, they might actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking asthma control rates and implementing evidence-based interventions to improve patient outcomes. Publicly available data, patient reviews, and recommendations from local advocacy groups can help identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in Beaver Springs. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas, by offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires robust internet connectivity, patient access to technology, and physician proficiency in using telemedicine platforms. Assessing the current level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 17812 is essential. This includes determining the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video visits, remote monitoring), the platforms used, and the patient satisfaction with these services.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Investigating the extent to which primary care practices in Beaver Springs offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals is a priority. This includes assessing the availability of therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups in the area.

Based on the collected data, an Asthma Score can be formulated. This score would consider factors such as the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of practices, the availability of telemedicine services, the presence of certified asthma educators, the use of standardized asthma action plans, and the integration of mental health resources. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best) to provide a clear and concise assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Beaver Springs.

The specific score will fluctuate depending on the data gathered. A low score might indicate limited access to primary care, a lack of telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health support. A higher score would reflect a more robust healthcare infrastructure, with readily accessible primary care, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to evidence-based asthma management.

The overall analysis, and the resulting Asthma Score, can inform strategies to improve asthma care in Beaver Springs. This might include advocating for increased funding for primary care, promoting telemedicine adoption, supporting the training of asthma educators, and fostering collaboration between primary care practices and mental health providers.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape of Beaver Springs, PA, requires a detailed examination of primary care availability, asthma management practices, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources are all crucial components of a comprehensive analysis. This information is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.