15627, Derry, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15627, Derry, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.54 percent of the residents in 15627 has some form of health insurance. 38.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.22 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 15627 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15627. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,441 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,740 health care providers accessible to residents in 15627, Derry, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Derry, PA (ZIP Code 15627)

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within Derry, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15627) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an “Asthma Score” assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape of care, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement for individuals managing asthma in this community.

The foundation of good asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Derry’s primary care availability is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios in the area need to be examined. A higher ratio (fewer patients per doctor) generally indicates better access to care. Data from local hospitals, clinics, and insurance providers will be essential to accurately calculate this ratio. The presence of family medicine practices, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians all contribute to the overall accessibility of primary care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the practices themselves are crucial. Do practices offer extended hours, including evenings or weekends? Do they have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses trained in asthma management? Are they equipped with pulmonary function testing (PFT) equipment for accurate diagnosis and monitoring? These factors directly impact the convenience and quality of care patients receive. Practices that proactively manage asthma through patient education, regular follow-up appointments, and personalized treatment plans will likely demonstrate better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for routine check-ups or medication adjustments, can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in more rural areas. Practices that utilize telemedicine platforms for asthma management can potentially reduce the burden on patients and improve adherence to treatment plans. This requires assessing the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered virtually (e.g., medication refills, symptom monitoring), and the ease of use of the telemedicine platforms.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma care is the integration of mental health resources. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals within the practices or nearby, and the processes in place for screening and referring patients with mental health concerns.

Evaluating the “Asthma Score” for Derry necessitates a scoring system based on the above criteria. This score will reflect a composite of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics (specialization, equipment, hours), telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for asthma management. Data collection will be crucial to assign scores.

To determine the “Asthma Score”, we will consider the following:

* **Physician Availability:** The physician-to-patient ratio in the area will be a major factor. A favorable ratio will contribute to a higher score.
* **Practice Characteristics:** Practices offering specialized asthma care, extended hours, and on-site pulmonary function testing will receive higher scores.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for asthma management, including virtual consultations and medication refills, will be awarded higher scores.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Practices offering on-site mental health services or robust referral networks will receive higher scores, reflecting the importance of addressing the mental health needs of asthma patients.

Based on the analysis of these factors, the “Asthma Score” for Derry will be determined. It is important to note that this score is an estimate based on the available data and may not fully reflect the complexities of individual patient experiences. The final score will reflect the overall quality of asthma care available in the area, providing a valuable benchmark for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Identifying standout practices is critical for recognizing excellence in asthma care. These practices may have a dedicated asthma specialist, a nurse educator, or a comprehensive asthma management program. They may also be leaders in telemedicine adoption or have a strong focus on mental health integration. The practices that demonstrate the best outcomes for asthma patients should be highlighted as models of best practice.

For example, a practice could be recognized for its proactive patient education programs, its commitment to regular follow-up appointments, or its use of innovative technologies for asthma monitoring. These practices can serve as inspiration for other healthcare providers in the area.

Conversely, areas needing improvement must be identified. This may include physician shortages, limited access to specialized care, or a lack of telemedicine options. Addressing these deficiencies is essential for improving the overall quality of asthma care in Derry. This may involve recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or establishing partnerships with mental health providers.

The final “Asthma Score” will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use this information to make informed decisions about their care, healthcare providers can use it to identify areas for improvement, and policymakers can use it to allocate resources and develop strategies to improve the overall health of the community.

The analysis of asthma care in Derry, PA (15627) is a dynamic process. Regular updates and revisions are needed to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new data becomes available and as healthcare practices evolve, the “Asthma Score” will be refined to provide the most accurate and up-to-date assessment of the quality of asthma care in the area. This ongoing evaluation is essential for ensuring that asthma patients in Derry receive the best possible care.

For a visual representation of the data and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Derry, PA (15627), including physician locations, practice characteristics, and telemedicine adoption, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.