17934, Gilberton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17934, Gilberton, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.71 percent of the residents in 17934 has some form of health insurance. 63.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.52 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 17934 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17934. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,909 health care providers accessible to residents in 17934, Gilberton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17934 and Primary Care Availability in Gilberton

Analyzing healthcare access, particularly for conditions like asthma, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the landscape of medical professionals within ZIP code 17934, encompassing the town of Gilberton, Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on primary care availability and resources for asthma management. This examination will consider physician-to-patient ratios, prominent medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources – all crucial elements in determining an "Asthma Score" reflecting the quality and accessibility of care.

Gilberton, a small borough in Schuylkill County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The overall "Asthma Score" for this area will be significantly influenced by the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of chronic conditions like asthma, and increased reliance on emergency room visits. The ideal scenario would be a sufficient number of PCPs to allow for regular check-ups, proactive asthma management plans, and timely interventions during exacerbations.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Gilberton and the surrounding ZIP code (17934) are a critical starting point. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards can offer insights into the number of practicing PCPs and the overall population. However, these figures often paint a broad picture. A more granular analysis would involve identifying the specific practices serving the community, assessing their patient load, and determining the availability of appointment slots for new patients. This is essential for understanding the real-world accessibility of primary care.

Several medical practices within and around ZIP code 17934 likely play a significant role in asthma care. Identifying these practices and evaluating their specific services is key. Do they have dedicated asthma specialists or pulmonologists on staff? Do they offer comprehensive asthma management programs that include patient education, peak flow monitoring, and personalized action plans? The presence of such resources would positively impact the "Asthma Score." Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma education and proactive management strategies would be considered "standout" performers.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Gilberton. Telemedicine can reduce travel time for patients, facilitate more frequent check-ins, and enable timely interventions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management, offering virtual appointments for medication refills, symptom assessments, and educational sessions, would receive a higher "Asthma Score" rating.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as integral to asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through referrals is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

Beyond the direct provision of medical services, community resources also play a role. The presence of local pharmacies, specialized asthma education programs offered by community health organizations, and access to support groups for asthma patients and their families all contribute to a comprehensive care environment. These factors would be considered when assigning an overall "Asthma Score."

Assessing the quality of care also requires considering patient outcomes. While difficult to quantify directly, factors such as asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and medication adherence rates can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of asthma management strategies. Practices with lower rates of hospitalizations and ER visits, coupled with high patient adherence to prescribed medications, would likely receive higher scores.

The "Asthma Score" for ZIP code 17934 and primary care availability in Gilberton would be a composite measure, weighing the various factors discussed. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with a sufficient number of PCPs, readily available appointments, specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and positive patient outcomes. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding access to telemedicine, and integrating mental health support.

The analysis process would involve collecting data from various sources, including public health agencies, medical practice websites, patient reviews, and insurance provider directories. This data would be analyzed to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Gilberton. The information would be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in asthma care and to provide recommendations for improvement.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" is a dynamic measure. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the availability and quality of care can change over time. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that residents of Gilberton and the surrounding areas have access to the best possible asthma care.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape of Gilberton and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and community resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the data discussed, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the resources available and the challenges that need to be addressed.