17968, Sacramento, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17968, Sacramento, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.92 percent of the residents in 17968 has some form of health insurance. 37.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.89 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 17968 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 79 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17968. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 53 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 177 health care providers accessible to residents in 17968, Sacramento, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Comparing Physician Access and Resources

This analysis examines asthma care accessibility and resource availability, contrasting two distinct geographical areas: ZIP Code 17968 (a rural Pennsylvania area) and Sacramento, California. The core focus is on understanding the factors contributing to an "Asthma Score" – a hypothetical composite measure reflecting the ease of access to quality asthma care, encompassing physician availability, resource utilization, and mental health support. The analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components influencing the overall Asthma Score.

**ZIP Code 17968: A Rural Landscape of Challenges**

ZIP Code 17968, representing a rural area, likely faces significant challenges in asthma care. Physician-to-patient ratios are almost certainly unfavorable. Rural areas often experience a shortage of primary care physicians and specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists, the specialists most critical for asthma management. This scarcity translates to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for patients, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment. The Asthma Score in this area is therefore likely to be negatively impacted by this fundamental lack of access.

Standout practices in 17968 would be those that effectively mitigate the challenges of rural healthcare. This might involve practices that actively recruit and retain physicians, offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient schedules, or provide robust patient education programs to empower individuals to manage their condition. Practices leveraging technology to improve care delivery would also be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption in 17968 could be a crucial factor in improving the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive medication refills, and monitor their asthma symptoms. However, successful telemedicine implementation requires reliable internet access, patient and physician comfort with technology, and appropriate reimbursement models. The degree of telemedicine adoption will directly impact the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are often limited in rural areas. Asthma, particularly severe asthma, can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who understand the complexities of asthma and its impact on mental health is critical. The presence of these resources will positively influence the Asthma Score.

**Sacramento, California: A Metropolitan Perspective**

Sacramento, a metropolitan area, presents a contrasting landscape for asthma care. While not without its own challenges, Sacramento generally enjoys a more favorable environment. Physician-to-patient ratios are likely to be better than in 17968, with a greater concentration of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists. This increased availability should, in theory, translate to shorter wait times and easier access to specialized care, positively influencing the Asthma Score.

Standout practices in Sacramento might be those that integrate a multidisciplinary approach to asthma management. This could involve collaborative care models where primary care physicians, pulmonologists, allergists, nurses, and respiratory therapists work together to provide comprehensive care. Practices that offer asthma education classes, support groups, and personalized treatment plans would also be highly regarded.

Telemedicine adoption in Sacramento is likely to be more prevalent than in 17968, given the greater availability of technology and internet access. Telemedicine can play a vital role in managing chronic conditions like asthma, allowing physicians to monitor patients remotely, adjust medications, and provide timely interventions. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Sacramento will directly impact the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are generally more accessible in metropolitan areas like Sacramento. The presence of mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses is crucial. The integration of mental health services into asthma care, either within the practice or through referrals, is a key factor in improving the Asthma Score. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing the psychological aspects of asthma will also contribute positively.

**Comparative Analysis and Implications for the Asthma Score**

The Asthma Score for 17968 is likely to be lower than that for Sacramento. The rural setting of 17968 presents inherent challenges related to physician access, resource limitations, and the availability of specialized care. Sacramento, with its greater concentration of healthcare providers and resources, is positioned to offer a higher Asthma Score.

However, the Asthma Score is not solely determined by geographic location. Practices in both areas can significantly influence their respective scores by focusing on key areas. For 17968, the emphasis should be on leveraging telemedicine, recruiting and retaining physicians, and providing robust patient education. In Sacramento, the focus should be on implementing multidisciplinary care models, integrating mental health services, and expanding access to specialized care.

Both areas need to prioritize patient education, empowering individuals to actively manage their asthma. This includes teaching patients about their medications, recognizing asthma triggers, and developing personalized action plans. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management and a key factor in improving the Asthma Score.

**Conclusion: Visualizing the Data with CartoChrome Maps**

Understanding the nuances of asthma care access and resource availability requires a comprehensive approach. While this analysis provides a general overview, visualizing the data geographically can offer deeper insights. CartoChrome maps can be used to overlay physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and socioeconomic data to identify areas with the greatest need and to highlight disparities in care. By using CartoChrome maps, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients can gain a more complete understanding of the asthma landscape and make informed decisions to improve care.

Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps and unlock a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your community.