17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 17020 has some form of health insurance. 36.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.48 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 17020 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,661 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 47 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17020. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,394 health care providers accessible to residents in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania.

Asthma management in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding ZIP code 17020, presents a complex picture when viewed through the lens of patient access and care quality. Analyzing an "Asthma Score" for physicians requires considering several interwoven factors, including physician density, primary care availability, the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which are crucial for holistic asthma care. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, moving beyond simple metrics to assess the overall efficacy of asthma management within the community.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental starting point. In a rural area like Duncannon, the concentration of primary care physicians (PCPs) is often lower than in more urban settings. A lower physician density can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management interventions. This can be particularly problematic for patients experiencing acute asthma exacerbations. Identifying the specific number of PCPs practicing within the 17020 ZIP code, and comparing this to the population size, is essential for determining the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide the necessary information for this calculation.

Primary care availability is not solely determined by the number of physicians. The type of practice, whether it is a solo practice, a group practice, or part of a larger healthcare system, also influences accessibility. Group practices often offer extended hours and on-call coverage, which can be beneficial for asthma patients. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients is another critical factor. Practices with closed patient panels limit access, potentially forcing residents to seek care outside of the immediate community, increasing travel time and potentially impacting the continuity of care.

Identifying standout practices within the 17020 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into their specific asthma management protocols. Do these practices adhere to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines? Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Do they provide patient education on proper inhaler technique and environmental control strategies? Practices that excel in these areas are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Reviewing patient testimonials and online reviews can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be used for medication management, follow-up appointments, and asthma education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, such as video consultations and remote monitoring devices, may be better positioned to provide timely and convenient care. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among PCPs in the 17020 ZIP code is a key component of the "Asthma Score" analysis.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in comprehensive asthma care. Assessing whether PCPs in Duncannon have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential. Furthermore, the presence of mental health services within the community, such as support groups or counseling centers, can further enhance the overall care available to asthma patients.

A comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis would also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While PCPs are the primary point of contact for most asthma patients, some patients may require the expertise of a pulmonologist or allergist. The distance to these specialists and the ease of referral from PCPs are important considerations. Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma education programs and support groups within the community can contribute to improved patient outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, and the 17020 ZIP code requires a multifaceted approach. The "Asthma Score" analysis needs to consider physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. By examining these factors, a more accurate and comprehensive picture of the local healthcare landscape can be developed, leading to improved asthma management and patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Duncannon and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice types, and access to care, explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify patterns and trends that might otherwise be missed. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a spatial perspective on the availability of asthma care resources in the 17020 ZIP code.