17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.19 percent of the residents in 17866 has some form of health insurance. 33.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.12 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 17866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,186 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17866. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,660 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and asthma management within Coal Township, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17866) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess their capacity to manage asthma, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all while considering the specific needs of the community. We will not create a rigid "Asthma Score" in the traditional sense, but rather, a qualitative assessment of the factors influencing asthma care within the specified geographic area.

Coal Township, a community in Northumberland County, faces the typical challenges of a rural area. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like asthma. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to obtain without direct access to proprietary databases, publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide estimates. These estimates, however, should be considered with the understanding that they are snapshots in time and may not reflect the current situation. The presence of specialist physicians, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also crucial for comprehensive asthma management. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices and their willingness to collaborate on patient care significantly impacts the quality of care.

The identification of standout practices within the community is key. These practices may demonstrate best practices in asthma management, such as the use of standardized asthma action plans, patient education programs, and regular monitoring of asthma control. These practices may also excel in patient communication, ensuring that patients understand their condition, medications, and triggers. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Identifying and highlighting these standout practices can serve as a model for other practices in the area and potentially improve the overall quality of asthma care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool for improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within Coal Township's primary care practices can significantly impact asthma management. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, allowing physicians to proactively adjust treatment plans and intervene before exacerbations occur. The availability of telehealth services, including video consultations and remote monitoring tools, is a crucial factor in our assessment. Evaluating the accessibility of these services, including their affordability and the availability of necessary technology, is vital.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can be a chronic and debilitating condition, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within Coal Township is therefore an important aspect of our analysis. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, and their integration with primary care practices. The ability of primary care physicians to screen for mental health conditions and refer patients to appropriate mental health services is also crucial. The availability of support groups and educational resources for both patients and their families can also significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with asthma.

The assessment of mental health resources should consider the availability of substance abuse services. Asthma can be exacerbated by substance abuse, and the presence of these services is critical for a comprehensive approach to patient care. The integration of mental health and substance abuse services with primary care practices is essential for ensuring that patients receive the holistic care they need. Furthermore, the availability of resources for managing stress and promoting overall well-being can also positively impact asthma control.

Our analysis requires a detailed understanding of the specific practices and resources available within Coal Township. This necessitates gathering information from various sources, including publicly available data, healthcare provider directories, and direct contact with local healthcare providers. We would need to assess the availability of specific asthma medications, the presence of respiratory therapists, and the implementation of asthma education programs. The effectiveness of these programs, as well as the level of patient engagement, should also be evaluated.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and poor housing conditions can all contribute to asthma exacerbations. The availability of social services, such as food banks and housing assistance programs, can indirectly improve asthma control by addressing the underlying social determinants of health. The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population, including age, race, and ethnicity, as these factors can influence asthma prevalence and severity.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing asthma care within Coal Township. This will involve identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare system, highlighting areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for enhancing the quality of care. The analysis will not result in a single, numerical "Asthma Score," but rather, a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals with asthma in this specific community. This understanding is vital for improving the health and well-being of the residents of Coal Township.

To visualize and further analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, asthma prevalence, and other relevant factors, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between healthcare access, environmental factors, and asthma outcomes. This visual representation can be instrumental in identifying areas where resources are lacking and where interventions are most needed.