17814, Benton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.18 percent of the residents in 17814 has some form of health insurance. 41.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.61 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 17814 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 913 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17814. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,178 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,257 health care providers accessible to residents in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides an Asthma Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 17814, focusing on Benton, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. This evaluation considers factors relevant to asthma management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telehealth and mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview to aid residents in making informed healthcare decisions.

The foundation of a strong Asthma Score lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians. In Benton (ZIP code 17814), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, an assessment of this ratio is essential. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering timely asthma management. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, alongside information from healthcare provider directories, is needed to calculate this ratio accurately. This initial assessment forms the bedrock for evaluating the overall asthma care landscape.

Beyond raw numbers, the types of primary care practices available within the ZIP code significantly influence the Asthma Score. Practices that specialize in internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics are all relevant. The presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists, though not strictly primary care, is a valuable asset for asthma patients. These specialists offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments receive higher scores, as these services can improve patient access to care, especially during asthma exacerbations.

Standout practices in the area can be identified by evaluating their patient reviews, accreditation status, and the services they offer. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding patient communication, thoroughness of examinations, and management of chronic conditions, like asthma, are considered high-performing. Accreditation from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) often signifies adherence to quality standards and best practices in patient care. Practices that have integrated asthma education programs, including personalized asthma action plans, receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in the Asthma Score. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telehealth services, including remote monitoring of lung function or virtual asthma education sessions, are awarded higher scores. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telehealth with the practice's electronic health record system are all important considerations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, or stress. Practices that integrate mental health screening, provide access to mental health professionals, or offer referrals to mental health services receive higher scores. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists can improve the overall health outcomes for asthma patients. This includes the availability of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists within the practice or readily accessible through referral networks.

The availability of ancillary services also impacts the Asthma Score. Access to on-site or readily available pharmacy services is a convenience that can improve patient adherence to medication regimens. Similarly, access to laboratory services for blood tests or allergy testing can streamline the diagnostic and treatment process. Practices that offer these services or have strong partnerships with local pharmacies and laboratories receive higher scores.

The Asthma Score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that should be updated regularly. Healthcare practices and the availability of resources are constantly evolving. Changes in physician staffing, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of mental health services all impact the score. Continuous monitoring and reassessment are critical to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the Asthma Score.

The analysis of the Asthma Score also takes into account the overall healthcare infrastructure in Benton. This includes the presence of hospitals, urgent care centers, and emergency medical services. The proximity of these facilities and their capacity to handle asthma-related emergencies are vital factors in the overall assessment. The availability of specialized asthma care units or respiratory therapy services within local hospitals contributes positively to the score.

The analysis also considers the socioeconomic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. These factors include income levels, housing quality, and access to healthy food. Areas with higher rates of poverty or substandard housing often have a higher prevalence of asthma. Healthcare practices that are actively involved in community outreach programs or that offer financial assistance to patients can receive higher scores.

The Asthma Score aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in ZIP code 17814. By considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socioeconomic factors, the score provides a valuable tool for patients seeking asthma care.

For a more detailed visual representation of the primary care landscape in Benton (ZIP code 17814), including physician locations, practice types, and access to resources, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform can provide a geospatial perspective on the availability of healthcare services, helping you make informed decisions about your asthma care.