17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.65 percent of the residents in 17920 has some form of health insurance. 50.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.61 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 17920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17920. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 110 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,915 health care providers accessible to residents in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17920 and Primary Care Availability in Aristes**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 17920, encompassing the town of Cressona, Pennsylvania, and considers the impact on primary care availability in the nearby community of Aristes. Our "Asthma Score" framework, though not a formal medical metric, provides a comparative assessment based on factors relevant to asthma management and overall healthcare access. These factors include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which influence a patient's ability to effectively manage a chronic condition like asthma.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. In 17920, the ratio likely reflects the broader trends in rural Pennsylvania, which often experience shortages of primary care physicians. This can be exacerbated by the prevalence of older populations and individuals with chronic conditions, increasing the demand for healthcare services. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is also crucial for asthma management. If these specialists are located outside of 17920, patients may face longer travel times and potential delays in receiving specialized care. Aristes, being a smaller community, may experience even greater challenges in accessing primary care, potentially relying on services offered in neighboring towns or cities, including those in 17920.

Identifying standout medical practices is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management typically incorporate several key elements. These include comprehensive patient education on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique. They may also offer asthma action plans, which are personalized guides for patients to manage their condition during exacerbations. Furthermore, practices that actively monitor patients' asthma control through regular check-ups and spirometry testing (a lung function test) contribute to improved outcomes. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice can significantly enhance the quality of care. The evaluation of practices should consider their use of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate communication between providers and improve care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and education. However, the success of telemedicine depends on factors such as reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the willingness of providers to embrace this modality. The level of telemedicine adoption within practices in 17920 and the availability of telehealth services for residents of Aristes will be crucial in assessing the overall "Asthma Score."

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic disease management, but they play a crucial role. Asthma can be a source of stress and anxiety, and patients may experience depression or other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. The availability of mental health support, particularly for children and adolescents with asthma, is essential. The analysis should examine the presence of mental health resources within practices in 17920 and their accessibility to residents of Aristes.

The "Asthma Score" will be influenced by the presence of these resources and their accessibility. A high score would indicate ample primary care physicians, easy access to specialists, practices that actively manage asthma, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health support. A lower score would suggest challenges in one or more of these areas. The analysis will also consider the influence of socioeconomic factors, such as income levels and insurance coverage, which can impact healthcare access and quality.

The evaluation will consider the specific practices within 17920. The analysis will also explore whether any practices in the area have been recognized for their asthma management programs. The presence of certified asthma educators, the use of asthma action plans, and the integration of telemedicine services will be important factors. The analysis will also consider the availability of mental health services, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals.

The assessment of primary care availability in Aristes will require considering the healthcare options available to its residents. This includes the practices in 17920 and any practices in neighboring towns or cities. The analysis will also consider the transportation challenges faced by residents of Aristes and the availability of public transportation or other forms of assistance.

The overall "Asthma Score" will be a composite measure reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare resources for asthma management in 17920 and for residents of Aristes. This score can be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform strategies to enhance healthcare access and quality. The analysis will provide a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape in the region, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system.

The availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, will be a key factor in determining the "Asthma Score." The analysis will consider the location of these specialists and the ease with which patients in 17920 and Aristes can access their services. The use of telemedicine can play a crucial role in improving access to specialized care.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a significant factor. EHRs facilitate communication between providers and improve care coordination. The analysis will consider the extent to which practices in 17920 and those serving Aristes utilize EHRs and how these systems enhance patient care. The analysis will also consider the availability of mental health services, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17920 and the surrounding area. The "Asthma Score" framework allows for a nuanced assessment of the factors that influence asthma management and overall healthcare access. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform strategies to enhance healthcare access and quality for residents of 17920 and Aristes.

**Call to Action:**

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of 17920 and the surrounding areas, including detailed mapping of physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Utilize the data visualization capabilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and identify areas for improvement.