17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 55.76 percent of the residents in 17931 has some form of health insurance. 23.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.11 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 17931 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17931. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 946 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,910 health care providers accessible to residents in 17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts the health and well-being of individuals, particularly in communities with environmental challenges or limited access to quality healthcare. Evaluating the quality of asthma care within a specific geographic area, such as ZIP Code 17931 (Frackville, Pennsylvania), requires a comprehensive analysis. This analysis will focus on the availability and quality of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing asthma effectively.

Frackville, nestled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, presents a unique context for asthma care. The region's history of coal mining and industry may contribute to environmental factors that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the quality of healthcare available in this area is paramount. Assessing the healthcare landscape involves scrutinizing the resources available for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma.

One of the primary indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 17931 requires data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other healthcare databases. This data would reveal the number of primary care physicians and specialists (particularly pulmonologists and allergists) serving the population of Frackville. A higher ratio suggests better access to care, while a lower ratio necessitates exploring alternative solutions.

The availability of primary care is fundamental to asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. They are responsible for diagnosis, initial treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs in Frackville is critical. Further analysis should investigate the types of primary care practices available, including whether they are solo practices, group practices, or affiliated with larger healthcare systems. This information helps determine the capacity of the primary care infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. They might have specialized asthma clinics, offer comprehensive patient education programs, or actively participate in asthma research. Evaluating these practices involves examining their patient outcomes, their adherence to asthma guidelines (such as those from the National Institutes of Health), and their patient satisfaction scores. This information can be gathered through patient surveys, reviews, and healthcare data analysis.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Frackville. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in Frackville is important. This includes determining the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the availability of necessary technology, and the willingness of both physicians and patients to embrace this technology. Practices actively using telemedicine for asthma management are likely improving access to care.

Asthma is not only a physical condition; it can also have a significant impact on mental health. Anxiety and depression are common among individuals with asthma, particularly those with poorly controlled symptoms or frequent exacerbations. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important aspect of asthma care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in Frackville and the extent to which they collaborate with primary care physicians is essential. This includes evaluating whether mental health services are integrated into asthma care plans, whether patients are screened for mental health conditions, and whether referrals to mental health professionals are readily available.

The effectiveness of asthma management is closely tied to patient education. Patients need to understand their condition, how to use their medications correctly, and how to recognize and respond to asthma triggers. Evaluating the patient education programs offered by primary care practices and specialists in Frackville is vital. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials, the frequency of patient education sessions, and the use of technology (e.g., online resources, mobile apps) to enhance patient understanding. Practices that prioritize patient education are likely to achieve better asthma control rates.

The integration of community resources can significantly enhance asthma care. This includes partnerships with local pharmacies, schools, and community health organizations. Assessing the extent to which these resources are utilized in Frackville is important. This includes determining whether pharmacies offer asthma medication counseling, whether schools have asthma management plans for students, and whether community health organizations provide asthma education and support groups. Practices that actively collaborate with community resources are likely to create a more supportive environment for patients with asthma.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in ZIP Code 17931 requires a multifaceted approach. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio, assessing the availability of primary care, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources are all essential components of this assessment. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare infrastructure and to identify areas for improvement. This information can be used to advocate for better asthma care and to support the health and well-being of individuals living with asthma in Frackville.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Frackville, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable visual overview, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in the area.