17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.03 percent of the residents in 17949 has some form of health insurance. 66.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.91 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 17949 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 17949. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 47 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,905 health care providers accessible to residents in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses asthma care quality within the 17949 ZIP code, focusing on primary care access in Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine utilization, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial factors in managing asthma effectively. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

The 17949 ZIP code encompasses Mahanoy Plane, a small community in Schuylkill County. Access to healthcare, particularly primary care, is a vital determinant of asthma management success. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, necessitates consistent monitoring, medication adherence, and proactive management strategies. The availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) are therefore paramount.

Physician-to-patient ratios offer a fundamental insight into healthcare access. In rural areas like Mahanoy Plane, these ratios often present challenges. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data from reputable sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio for this area. This ratio would then be compared to state and national averages to assess the relative availability of primary care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of local medical practices significantly impact asthma care. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or PCPs with specialized asthma training is highly advantageous. These specialists possess in-depth knowledge of asthma pathophysiology, treatment guidelines, and advanced therapies. Practices that prioritize patient education, offering asthma management classes or providing detailed written action plans, are also crucial. These practices empower patients to actively participate in their care, leading to improved outcomes. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic testing, such as spirometry, streamlines the diagnostic and monitoring process.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by practices within 17949 is a key consideration. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of asthma symptoms. This can reduce the burden of travel for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that utilize telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to provide accessible and timely care. The quality of the telemedicine platform, including ease of use and data security, is also essential.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is critical. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or that have established referral networks with mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of asthma patients. This integrated approach to care can significantly improve patient well-being and asthma control. The presence of support groups or educational programs focused on the psychological aspects of asthma would also be beneficial.

Specific practices within 17949 should be evaluated based on these criteria. Identifying standout practices that excel in asthma care requires a comprehensive review of their services, staffing, and patient outcomes. This would involve gathering information from various sources, including online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites. The analysis should consider factors such as appointment availability, wait times, and the responsiveness of the practice to patient inquiries. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offering personalized treatment plans and actively engaging patients in their care, should be highlighted.

Evaluating the effectiveness of asthma management also necessitates assessing patient outcomes. This involves examining metrics such as hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations, emergency room visits, and the use of rescue medications. Practices with lower rates of these adverse events are likely providing higher-quality care. This requires accessing and analyzing relevant healthcare data, while respecting patient privacy.

The availability of primary care in Mahanoy Plane is directly linked to asthma care quality. A robust primary care system is essential for early diagnosis, ongoing management, and timely intervention. The analysis should consider the number of PCPs practicing in Mahanoy Plane, their specialties, and their accessibility. This includes evaluating the availability of same-day appointments, after-hours care, and language services. Furthermore, the analysis should assess the integration of primary care practices with specialists, such as pulmonologists, to ensure seamless care coordination.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in 17949, specifically regarding primary care availability in Mahanoy Plane, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating practice characteristics, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. Identifying standout practices and evaluating patient outcomes are also critical components of this analysis. This comprehensive evaluation provides a valuable understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this area.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access and identifying areas where improvements are needed.