17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.80 percent of the residents in 17921 has some form of health insurance. 32.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.29 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 17921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17921. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,779 health care providers accessible to residents in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below examines the asthma care landscape in Ashland, Pennsylvania, focusing on primary care physicians within the 17921 ZIP code. This assessment considers factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the local healthcare ecosystem and its capacity to serve asthma patients.

Ashland, a small borough in Schuylkill County, faces challenges common to rural communities, including potential limitations in healthcare access. Assessing the asthma care environment requires a nuanced approach, considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects. This analysis will move beyond simple physician counts to evaluate the overall quality and accessibility of care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require detailed data, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer estimates. These estimates, however, must be interpreted cautiously, as they don’t account for physician specialization or patient demographics. Furthermore, the actual number of primary care physicians actively accepting new patients is critical. A high physician count is irrelevant if many practices are at capacity.

Standout practices in Ashland, if any, could be identified through patient reviews, online directories, and professional recommendations. Practices excelling in asthma care typically demonstrate several key characteristics. These include a proactive approach to asthma management, utilizing evidence-based guidelines and personalized treatment plans. They often have dedicated staff trained in asthma education and offer comprehensive services, such as pulmonary function testing and allergy testing. Furthermore, they may participate in quality improvement initiatives to continuously enhance their care delivery. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant indicator of quality.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions like asthma. The availability of telehealth services, however, is only part of the equation. The quality of these services, including the technology used and the training of providers, is equally important.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, yet they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health support into their asthma care model are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration can take various forms, including on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and educational resources for patients. The availability of these resources within the primary care setting is a significant advantage.

Assessing the availability of these resources requires a thorough investigation. This includes examining practice websites, contacting practices directly, and consulting with local healthcare organizations. Information about the availability of mental health support, telemedicine services, and specialized asthma care can be gathered through targeted inquiries.

The asthma score for physicians in ZIP code 17921 is a composite measure, considering the factors outlined above. This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with ample physician availability, high-quality practices, telemedicine integration, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing and receiving comprehensive asthma care.

Primary care availability in Ashland is a crucial element of this assessment. The number of primary care physicians accepting new patients, coupled with their ability to provide comprehensive asthma care, directly influences the overall asthma score. The availability of primary care physicians is the cornerstone of effective asthma management. They provide routine care, medication management, and referrals to specialists.

The specific practices within Ashland, and their individual strengths and weaknesses, determine the overall quality of care. Identifying standout practices, those that excel in asthma management, can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. These practices often serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area.

The integration of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources are vital. Telemedicine expands access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Mental health support addresses the psychological impact of asthma, improving patient outcomes. The presence of these resources significantly impacts the asthma score.

Ultimately, the asthma score is a tool for evaluating the local healthcare landscape. It highlights strengths and weaknesses, informing patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the asthma care environment in Ashland, Pennsylvania.

The challenges of providing healthcare in rural areas necessitate innovative solutions. Telemedicine, mental health integration, and patient education are crucial components of effective asthma management. The asthma score reflects the ability of the local healthcare system to meet the needs of asthma patients.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashland and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of healthcare services.