17026, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17026, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.30 percent of the residents in 17026 has some form of health insurance. 36.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.28 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 17026 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 904 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17026. An estimate of 12 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 504 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,475 health care providers accessible to residents in 17026, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Fredericksburg, PA (ZIP Code 17026)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 17026 (Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania) requires a multi-faceted approach. We’ll examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. Fredericksburg, a relatively small community, likely experiences a more limited pool of primary care physicians compared to larger metropolitan areas. Assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code and its surrounding areas, alongside the patient population. A low physician-to-patient ratio could indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment adjustments, and preventative care. Conversely, a higher ratio, coupled with efficient appointment scheduling systems, suggests a more favorable environment for asthma patients.

Standout practices often distinguish themselves through specialized expertise and a patient-centered approach. These practices might employ certified asthma educators, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, or actively participate in asthma research or community outreach programs. The presence of such practices within or near 17026 significantly elevates the Asthma Score. Evaluating practices involves examining their online presence, patient reviews, and affiliations with hospitals or specialty clinics. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options, such as biologics, further enhances a practice's contribution to the overall asthma care landscape.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption in Fredericksburg directly impacts the Asthma Score. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms can offer virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those requiring frequent follow-up appointments. The ease of access to telehealth services, including the availability of remote monitoring devices like peak flow meters and pulse oximeters, contributes positively to the score.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is therefore critical. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma significantly improve the Asthma Score. A holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, leads to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life. The availability of support groups and patient education materials also plays a vital role.

Calculating a precise Asthma Score necessitates gathering data on the aforementioned factors. This involves surveying local practices, analyzing public health records, and assessing patient feedback. The score itself could be presented on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with higher scores indicating a more favorable environment for asthma management. The score should be dynamic, reflecting changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio within 17026 is a primary determinant of the Asthma Score. If the ratio is low, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, the score will likely be negatively affected. This could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio, coupled with efficient appointment scheduling systems, would positively influence the score.

The presence of specialized asthma clinics or practices with certified asthma educators also elevates the score. These practices often provide more comprehensive care, including advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans. Their commitment to patient education and self-management strategies further enhances the overall quality of care. The availability of pulmonary function testing, allergy testing, and other specialized services is crucial.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Practices offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring tools significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The ease of use and accessibility of these telehealth services is critical. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters and pulse oximeters, can also contribute to improved asthma control.

The integration of mental health resources is also essential. Asthma often co-exists with anxiety and depression, and addressing these co-morbidities is crucial for overall patient well-being. Practices that offer on-site counseling, referrals to mental health professionals, or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma contribute positively to the score.

The overall Asthma Score for Fredericksburg, PA (ZIP Code 17026) will be a reflection of the interplay of these various factors. A comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from various sources, is necessary to arrive at a precise and meaningful score. This analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The final score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate it. The score should also be accompanied by recommendations for improving asthma care in the community, such as increasing physician availability, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve the lives of individuals living with asthma in Fredericksburg, PA.

For a visual representation of physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points within Fredericksburg, PA (ZIP Code 17026), we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.