17018, Dauphin, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17018, Dauphin, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.52 percent of the residents in 17018 has some form of health insurance. 36.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.73 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 17018 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 835 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17018. An estimate of 11 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 969 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,383 health care providers accessible to residents in 17018, Dauphin, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Dauphin County, PA (ZIP Code 17018 & Primary Care)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma patients in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 17018 ZIP code and considering primary care availability across the county, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will attempt to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to paint a picture of the landscape for asthma sufferers, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

The foundation of a good asthma score rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Dauphin County, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer asthma management. While precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be combined to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating better access, would contribute positively to the asthma score.

Furthermore, the concentration of pulmonologists and allergists within the 17018 ZIP code and the broader Dauphin County is crucial. Asthma is a complex condition, and specialized care is often necessary. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists and allergists, coupled with the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like pulmonary function testing (PFT) and allergy testing, significantly impacts the quality of care. The number of specialists, their experience, and their affiliations with hospitals and healthcare systems contribute heavily to the overall asthma score.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This requires assessing several factors. Practices with dedicated asthma educators, who provide patient education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans, are highly valued. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as tracking asthma control rates and implementing evidence-based guidelines, also stand out. Patient reviews, although subjective, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall experience of care. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding communication, empathy, and accessibility would score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the asthma score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management via telehealth platforms, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically underserved areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals, receive a higher score. The ease of use, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine with existing electronic health records (EHRs) are all important considerations.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health integration plays a significant role in asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic and stressful condition, and anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that offer or have readily available access to mental health services, such as therapists or psychiatrists, are more likely to provide comprehensive care. The integration of mental health screenings, the availability of counseling services, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals are all positive indicators. A practice that recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health will inevitably score higher.

To assess the asthma score, we must look at the availability of resources within the 17018 ZIP code and the broader Dauphin County. This includes pharmacies, urgent care centers, and emergency rooms equipped to handle asthma exacerbations. The proximity of these resources, their hours of operation, and their ability to provide timely and effective care are crucial. The availability of nebulizers, inhalers, and other asthma medications at local pharmacies, as well as the presence of respiratory therapists in urgent care centers and emergency rooms, all contribute to a higher score.

The use of technology in asthma management is also important. This includes the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) to track patient data, the use of mobile apps to monitor symptoms and medication adherence, and the use of wearable devices to track lung function. Practices that embrace technology to improve patient care and communication will score higher. The ability of patients to access their medical records online, to communicate with their doctors via email or secure messaging, and to receive automated reminders about medication refills are all positive indicators.

The affordability of healthcare is another critical factor. The cost of asthma medications, doctor visits, and other healthcare services can be a significant barrier to care for many patients. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer payment plans, and participate in programs that help patients afford their medications will score higher. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by pharmaceutical companies or non-profit organizations, can also improve the asthma score.

In conclusion, creating a comprehensive asthma score requires careful consideration of all these factors. The availability of physicians, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the affordability of healthcare all play a crucial role. Dauphin County and the 17018 ZIP code, like any healthcare landscape, present a complex picture. The information gleaned from this analysis should be used to understand the current situation and to identify areas where improvements are needed.

Ready to visualize this complex data and gain deeper insights into healthcare accessibility in Dauphin County? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, specialist availability, and resource distribution. CartoChrome maps can help you to see the data in a new light, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and identify areas for improvement.