16323, Franklin, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16323, Franklin, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.94 percent of the residents in 16323 has some form of health insurance. 43.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.42 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 16323 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,622 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16323. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,517 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 879 health care providers accessible to residents in 16323, Franklin, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Franklin, PA (ZIP Code 16323) and Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Franklin, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16323) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will examine the availability and quality of primary care physicians, a critical factor in asthma management, and explore the specific resources available to asthma patients in the area. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, considering various factors impacting patient care.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. In Franklin, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, can help determine the approximate number of primary care physicians serving the population of ZIP code 16323. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally translates to easier access to appointments, which is vital for regular check-ups and timely intervention for asthma exacerbations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests potential challenges in securing appointments, potentially leading to delayed care and poorer asthma control.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Assessing this involves evaluating factors like physician board certifications, experience in treating asthma, and patient satisfaction scores. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provide platforms for patients to rate and review physicians. Analyzing these reviews, while acknowledging their limitations, can offer insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication skills, and overall satisfaction with asthma management. Practices with consistently high ratings and positive feedback regarding asthma care would score favorably in the ‘Asthma Score’ analysis.

Identifying standout practices within the Franklin area is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes providing asthma education to patients and their families, offering spirometry testing (a measure of lung function), and developing personalized asthma action plans. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related community outreach programs or collaborations with local hospitals and specialists would also receive higher marks. A practice that demonstrates a proactive approach to asthma management, focusing on prevention and patient empowerment, would significantly contribute to a higher overall ‘Asthma Score’.

The adoption of telemedicine represents another critical aspect of the ‘Asthma Score’. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or residing in geographically remote areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, would score higher. This is especially relevant for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions like asthma, where regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans are often necessary.

Mental health resources are also an essential component of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The ‘Asthma Score’ analysis needs to consider the availability of mental health services within the Franklin area, specifically those with experience in treating patients with chronic respiratory conditions. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their asthma management protocols would be viewed more favorably. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is crucial for holistic patient care.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, within a reasonable distance is a significant factor. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for asthma management, access to specialists is crucial for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity and availability of these specialists, along with their referral processes, directly influence the ‘Asthma Score’. The ability to easily access specialized care is a key indicator of a robust healthcare system for asthma patients.

Another aspect to consider is the accessibility of pharmacies and medication affordability. The presence of multiple pharmacies within the ZIP code, including those offering mail-order services, contributes to convenience. Furthermore, the availability of patient assistance programs and affordable medication options, including generic alternatives, is crucial. Practices that actively assist patients in navigating medication costs and insurance coverage would contribute positively to the ‘Asthma Score’.

The ‘Asthma Score’ also needs to consider the availability of educational resources for both patients and healthcare providers. This includes access to reliable information about asthma management, including triggers, medications, and self-management techniques. Practices that actively provide educational materials, such as brochures, websites, or online resources, would score higher. Continuing medical education (CME) opportunities for physicians on asthma management are also important. Practices that encourage and support their physicians in pursuing CME courses related to asthma care would be viewed favorably.

In conclusion, assessing the ‘Asthma Score’ for Franklin, PA (ZIP code 16323) involves a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialists, medication affordability, and educational resources. A higher score indicates a more supportive and effective healthcare environment for asthma patients. This analysis requires a deep dive into data, patient feedback, and practice profiles.

If you're interested in visualizing the healthcare landscape of Franklin, PA, and exploring the geographic distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and analytical tools to visualize healthcare data and gain deeper insights into the accessibility and availability of asthma care resources in your community.