17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17834 has some form of health insurance. 35.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.34 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 17834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 654 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 749 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kulpmont, PA (ZIP Code 17834)

Analyzing asthma care within Kulpmont, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17834) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the resources dedicated to asthma management, and the integration of innovative technologies. This analysis will provide an 'Asthma Score' ranking, though a precise numerical score is beyond the scope of this text-based assessment. Instead, we will provide a qualitative overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The ultimate goal is to understand the landscape of asthma care in this community and identify opportunities to enhance patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Kulpmont, and Northumberland County generally, is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can create significant barriers to care. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, limited opportunities for preventative care, and difficulty establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship, all of which are detrimental to managing a chronic condition like asthma. Public health data and local reports must be consulted to ascertain the exact physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio is a significant negative factor in our 'Asthma Score'.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' commitment to asthma management guidelines. Are physicians well-versed in the latest treatment protocols, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, and combination inhalers? Do they routinely perform spirometry testing to assess lung function? Do they provide comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Practices demonstrating a proactive and evidence-based approach to asthma care will receive higher marks in our assessment. Conversely, practices lacking these elements would negatively impact the score.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Some primary care providers may have developed specific expertise in asthma management. Perhaps they have dedicated asthma educators on staff, offer specialized asthma clinics, or actively participate in community outreach programs. These practices, demonstrating a commitment to patient education and proactive care, should be recognized and highlighted as positive contributors to the 'Asthma Score'. Their best practices can serve as models for other providers in the area.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Remote consultations, virtual asthma education sessions, and remote monitoring of lung function can all contribute to better asthma control. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to innovative care delivery. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine.

Asthma, like many chronic conditions, often co-exists with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical consideration. Practices that screen for mental health issues, provide access to counseling services, or collaborate with mental health professionals will contribute positively to the 'Asthma Score'. The lack of these resources would be a significant weakness.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is important. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialists is often necessary for complex cases or those requiring advanced treatments. The proximity and availability of these specialists will influence the overall 'Asthma Score'. A lack of specialist access would negatively impact the score.

Patient education is a cornerstone of successful asthma management. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques, will receive higher marks. This includes providing written materials, offering group education sessions, and utilizing digital tools to enhance patient understanding. Practices that neglect patient education will face a lower score.

The presence of community resources also plays a role. Are there local support groups for asthma patients? Are there programs to address environmental triggers, such as mold remediation or air quality monitoring? The availability of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for asthma patients and contribute to better asthma control. The lack of these resources would negatively impact the score.

Finally, the overall accessibility of healthcare services is essential. This includes factors such as insurance coverage, transportation options, and language barriers. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer convenient appointment times, and provide services in multiple languages will contribute positively to the 'Asthma Score'. Barriers to access, such as limited insurance acceptance or transportation difficulties, would negatively impact the score.

In conclusion, evaluating the 'Asthma Score' for Kulpmont, PA (ZIP code 17834) involves a comprehensive assessment of primary care availability, physician expertise, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support. The specific score is a complex calculation, but the factors outlined above provide a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in this community. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and promote better outcomes for asthma patients.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care in Kulpmont and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of access and disparities.