17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.07 percent of the residents in 17813 has some form of health insurance. 42.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.62 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 17813 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 542 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17813. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 410 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813)**

Beavertown, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in Snyder County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly regarding chronic conditions like asthma. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on asthma management within the 17813 ZIP code. We'll explore physician-to-patient ratios, highlight notable practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an “Asthma Score” assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Beavertown, the ratio likely reflects the rural nature of the area. While precise figures for the 17813 ZIP code are difficult to obtain without direct data access, Snyder County generally experiences a lower density of physicians compared to more urban centers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially limited specialist access, impacting asthma patients' ability to receive timely and comprehensive care. Patients might need to travel to nearby towns or cities, such as Selinsgrove or Lewistown, for specialized pulmonology or allergy consultations, adding to the burden of managing their condition.

Identifying standout primary care practices is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management often integrate several key elements. These include comprehensive patient education on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique. They might also utilize standardized asthma action plans, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Furthermore, proactive monitoring of asthma control, through regular assessments and adjustments to treatment plans, is a hallmark of high-quality care. The practices that excel in these areas would likely score higher in our “Asthma Score” analysis.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in rural areas like Beavertown. Its adoption, however, can vary widely. Practices embracing telemedicine can offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and even initial assessments for stable asthma cases. This can reduce the need for travel, saving patients time and money, and improving adherence to treatment plans. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors like reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the practice's integration of virtual care into its workflow. Practices slow to adopt telemedicine will likely receive a lower score.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can be a source of stress, anxiety, and even depression, and these mental health challenges can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care is a critical component of comprehensive asthma management. Practices that offer on-site counseling, referrals to mental health specialists, or incorporate screening for mental health conditions into their routine care will be better equipped to support patients' overall well-being. Practices lacking these resources would receive a lower score.

To develop the “Asthma Score,” we'd consider several factors. First, we'd assess the physician-to-patient ratio, giving a lower score to areas with fewer physicians per capita. Next, we'd evaluate the quality of care offered by primary care practices, giving higher scores to those with robust asthma management programs, including patient education, action plans, and proactive monitoring. We'd then consider telemedicine adoption, awarding higher scores to practices that actively utilize virtual care to improve access and convenience. Finally, we'd examine the integration of mental health resources, giving higher scores to practices that offer mental health services or referrals. The overall “Asthma Score” would be a composite of these factors, providing a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Beavertown.

Based on the available information, we can make some general observations. Given the rural nature of Beavertown, the physician-to-patient ratio likely presents a challenge. However, the presence of dedicated primary care practices, even if limited in number, offers hope. The extent of telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources would be critical factors in determining the overall “Asthma Score.” Practices that actively embrace these elements are likely to provide superior care.

The availability of specialist care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is another crucial consideration. While primary care physicians play a vital role in asthma management, access to specialists is often necessary for complex cases or for those requiring specialized treatments. The proximity of specialists to Beavertown and the ease with which patients can access their services would significantly impact the overall “Asthma Score.”

In the absence of detailed data, it's difficult to provide a precise “Asthma Score.” However, the analysis highlights the key factors that contribute to effective asthma management in Beavertown. These include physician availability, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Any effort to improve asthma care in the area should focus on strengthening these areas.

Further research, including direct data collection from local healthcare providers, would be needed to provide a more accurate and detailed assessment. This would involve surveying practices, analyzing patient outcomes, and assessing the availability of resources. This deeper dive would allow for a more precise “Asthma Score” and offer targeted recommendations for improvement.

The specific practices that excel in asthma management should be recognized and celebrated, as their efforts directly impact the health and well-being of the community. These practices can serve as models for others, demonstrating the benefits of comprehensive asthma care.

For residents of Beavertown and the surrounding areas, understanding the landscape of healthcare is critical. Knowing the resources available and the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. This knowledge can also encourage them to advocate for improvements in the healthcare system.

To gain a more granular understanding of healthcare access, including the location of primary care physicians, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas of strength and areas that require improvement.