17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.83 percent of the residents in 17954 has some form of health insurance. 56.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.99 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 17954 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 953 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17954. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 694 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 843 health care providers accessible to residents in 17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Minersville, PA (ZIP Code 17954)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Minersville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17954) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the accessibility and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on the resources available to manage and treat asthma. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. In Minersville, a rural area, this ratio may be less favorable than in more urban centers. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, who require regular monitoring and timely intervention. Assessing the actual ratio requires data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and potentially the Schuylkill County Medical Society, cross-referenced with population data from the US Census Bureau.

The availability of primary care physicians is the foundation of asthma management. Primary care doctors are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing diagnosis, initial treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. The number of general practitioners, family physicians, and internal medicine specialists practicing within ZIP code 17954 or in neighboring areas readily accessible to Minersville residents is essential. Furthermore, the capacity of these practices to accommodate new patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, is a key factor. Are practices accepting new patients with asthma? Do they have dedicated asthma education programs? These are critical questions.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond simple physician numbers. We must consider the quality of care delivered. This includes assessing the availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometry for lung function testing, and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management guidelines. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control, and those that have a strong track record of positive patient outcomes, would be considered standout. This requires a review of patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), the presence of board-certified specialists, and potentially, engagement with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or similar organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Minersville. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially decreasing wait times. The availability of telemedicine consultations for asthma management, including medication refills, symptom monitoring, and education, can significantly improve patient outcomes. This requires assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the platforms they use, the types of services offered, and the insurance coverage for these services.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as crucial in managing chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to mental health services, such as therapists or counselors, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals in the area, the ease of referral processes, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care.

Specific examples of practices within or near Minersville would be beneficial, but that information is not always publicly available. We would look for practices that have a strong online presence, detailing their services, physician credentials, and patient testimonials (while understanding the limitations). We would also look for evidence of patient education materials, asthma action plans, and participation in asthma-focused research or quality improvement programs.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community resources, such as asthma support groups, educational programs offered by local hospitals or health departments, and access to affordable medications. These resources can play a crucial role in empowering patients to manage their asthma effectively.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for Minersville would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration would all contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in providing effective asthma care. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing and receiving quality asthma care, while a high score would indicate a more favorable environment.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the asthma care landscape in Minersville, PA. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identifies areas for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to make informed decisions about asthma management and to advocate for better care.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Minersville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice types, and access to pharmacies, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping.
**Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Minersville, PA.**