17957, Muir, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17957, Muir, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17957 has some form of health insurance. 23.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.99 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 17957 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 88 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17957. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 356 health care providers accessible to residents in 17957, Muir, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17957 and Muir, PA

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 17957, encompassing the town of Muir, Pennsylvania, focusing on primary care resources and related factors. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals managing asthma. We will evaluate the physician-to-patient ratio, examine specific practices, consider telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Muir and the surrounding areas within 17957 presents a critical starting point. Precise data on the exact ratio requires accessing specific databases and real-time information, which is beyond the scope of a general analysis. However, we can make informed observations. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to a higher patient load per doctor. This can translate into longer wait times for appointments, less time per patient during consultations, and potentially, a less personalized approach to care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly important, as they often serve as the first point of contact for asthma management, providing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and coordinating specialist referrals.

Examining specific practices within the ZIP code requires a deeper dive. We can assess practices based on several factors, including their commitment to asthma care. Does the practice have a dedicated asthma management program? Do they employ certified asthma educators? Do they offer spirometry testing on-site? Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to asthma management, such as regular patient education sessions, personalized asthma action plans, and readily available resources, would likely score higher in our assessment. Conversely, practices lacking these features might indicate a less comprehensive approach to asthma care. Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is essential. While PCPs are vital, specialist consultation is often necessary for complex asthma cases or when treatment plans require adjustment.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant aspect of modern healthcare delivery, particularly relevant in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication refills, and ongoing monitoring. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, and utilizing remote monitoring devices, would likely receive a higher score. This technology can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for regular check-ins, monitoring of symptoms, and timely adjustments to treatment plans. Conversely, practices that have not adopted telemedicine might present a barrier to access for some patients, especially those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.

Mental health resources are another crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that acknowledge and address the mental health needs of their asthma patients would be considered more patient-centered. This might involve offering on-site mental health services, collaborating with local mental health providers, or providing referrals to appropriate resources. The absence of such resources can be a significant shortcoming, potentially hindering the overall effectiveness of asthma management.

Primary care availability in Muir, specifically, warrants careful consideration. Muir is a small town, and the availability of healthcare resources within the immediate vicinity might be limited. Residents may need to travel to nearby towns or cities for medical care. This travel distance can be a significant barrier to accessing timely and consistent asthma care, especially during acute exacerbations. The presence of a local pharmacy is also important, as it ensures easy access to prescribed medications. The proximity of hospitals and urgent care facilities is another crucial factor, as these facilities provide emergency care and support for asthma-related complications.

The overall asthma score for doctors in 17957 and primary care availability in Muir would be a composite score based on these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with readily available PCPs, specialists, telemedicine options, mental health resources, and proactive asthma management programs. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive asthma care, necessitating a more critical approach to patient management and a greater emphasis on patient advocacy.

This analysis provides a general overview. For a more detailed and data-driven assessment, we recommend utilizing tools like CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the healthcare landscape, highlighting the location of practices, specialists, pharmacies, and hospitals. They can also provide data on physician-to-patient ratios, demographics, and other relevant information. By utilizing CartoChrome maps, individuals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in their area and make informed decisions about their asthma care.