17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 60.10 percent of the residents in 17864 has some form of health insurance. 27.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.35 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 17864 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 689 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17864. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 325 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,789 health care providers accessible to residents in 17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Port Trevorton, PA (ZIP Code 17864)

Analyzing asthma care within Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17864) requires a multi-faceted approach. An "Asthma Score" doesn't exist as a formal, standardized metric, so this analysis will synthesize key factors impacting asthma management within the community. We will evaluate physician availability, quality of care, access to resources, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Unfortunately, publicly available data on specific physician counts within a ZIP code can be limited. However, we can leverage data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to estimate this ratio. Population data for 17864, combined with estimates of the number of PCPs practicing within the area (obtained through online physician directories and local hospital systems), allows for a preliminary assessment. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care. If the ratio is high, it may suggest a shortage of PCPs, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and decreased access to preventative care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. This includes their experience in managing asthma, their adherence to established asthma guidelines (such as those published by the National Institutes of Health), and their ability to provide comprehensive patient education. While a formal, publicly available "quality score" for individual practices is unlikely, we can infer quality through several indicators. Reviews from patients on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, while subjective, can provide insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Additionally, examining the affiliations of local practices with hospitals and healthcare systems can offer clues. Affiliations with larger, well-regarded institutions often indicate access to more resources, specialized expertise, and adherence to best practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the asthma score. Telemedicine, or telehealth, has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. It offers several advantages, including increased access to care, especially for patients in rural areas, and the ability to monitor patients remotely. The degree to which local practices have adopted telemedicine platforms for asthma management, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication refills, will significantly influence the score. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care, leading to better patient outcomes.

Mental health resources play a crucial, often overlooked, role in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Access to mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is vital for providing comprehensive care. The availability of these resources within the community, and the degree to which PCPs integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma care, will affect the overall score. Ideally, practices should have established referral pathways to mental health professionals and be actively addressing the psychological impact of asthma.

Standout practices within Port Trevorton, if any, deserve recognition. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care requires a deeper dive. This could involve contacting local healthcare providers and inquiring about their asthma management programs. Key indicators of excellence include: specialized asthma clinics, certified asthma educators, comprehensive patient education programs, and proactive management strategies. Practices that proactively reach out to patients, provide detailed asthma action plans, and offer regular follow-up appointments are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Another crucial aspect of the analysis is the availability of asthma-specific resources. This includes access to specialized equipment, such as spirometry machines for lung function testing, and the availability of respiratory therapists. Furthermore, the availability of asthma education programs, support groups, and access to affordable medications are all essential elements of effective asthma management. The presence of these resources within the community, or easily accessible nearby, will positively influence the asthma score.

The overall asthma score for Port Trevorton will be a composite of all these factors. A high score indicates a community with good access to PCPs, high-quality care, telemedicine integration, adequate mental health resources, and readily available asthma-specific resources. A low score, conversely, suggests potential challenges in accessing quality asthma care, potentially impacting patient outcomes and quality of life.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, quality of care indicators, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Port Trevorton. While a single, definitive "Asthma Score" is impossible to produce without direct access to comprehensive healthcare data, the framework outlined here allows for a robust assessment of the community's strengths and weaknesses in managing asthma.

To further enhance your understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution in Port Trevorton and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of visual data.

**Click here to explore interactive maps of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and demographic data using CartoChrome maps. Gain a visual perspective on healthcare accessibility and make informed decisions about your health.**