17028, Grantville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17028, Grantville, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.35 percent of the residents in 17028 has some form of health insurance. 28.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.92 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 17028 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 507 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17028. An estimate of 14 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 522 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 21,209 health care providers accessible to residents in 17028, Grantville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Grantville, PA (ZIP Code 17028)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Grantville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17028) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, termed an “Asthma Score,” evaluates the local healthcare landscape, considering physician accessibility, the presence of specialized asthma care, and the integration of supportive services. The focus is on primary care providers (PCPs) and their ability to manage asthma, as they are often the first point of contact for patients.

Grantville, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area may impact access to specialists and advanced treatment options. A key factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services can provide insights into this ratio, comparing it to state and national averages. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is also crucial, as these facilities often serve a larger proportion of underserved populations who may be at higher risk for asthma complications.

The Asthma Score considers the availability of specialized asthma care. While Grantville may not have a dedicated pulmonologist or allergist within its immediate borders, the proximity to larger cities like Harrisburg is a significant factor. The ability of local PCPs to refer patients to specialists within a reasonable timeframe is crucial. The presence of practices that employ certified asthma educators (CAEs) is a positive indicator. CAEs provide valuable patient education on asthma management, trigger avoidance, and medication adherence.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical component of the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function (e.g., using peak flow meters), and online educational resources receive higher scores. Telemedicine can also facilitate communication between patients and their healthcare providers, allowing for more frequent check-ins and proactive management of asthma symptoms. The availability of telehealth services for medication refills and prescription management is also a key consideration.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as essential in asthma management. Chronic illnesses like asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score evaluates the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that offer on-site counseling, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or utilize telehealth platforms for mental health consultations receive higher scores. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing the psychological aspects of asthma is also beneficial.

Specific practices within Grantville are assessed based on their commitment to asthma care. While a comprehensive practice-by-practice analysis is beyond the scope of this document, certain indicators can be used to identify standout practices. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control, are likely to provide higher-quality care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track asthma-related data, such as medication adherence and exacerbation rates, is another positive indicator. The implementation of patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records and communicate with their providers, also contributes to a higher score.

The availability of after-hours care is also important. Asthma symptoms can worsen at any time, and access to timely medical attention is crucial. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or on-call services receive higher scores. The presence of urgent care centers or emergency rooms in the vicinity is also a factor, although these options should ideally be used as a last resort.

The Asthma Score also considers the availability of resources for patients with limited English proficiency or other communication barriers. Practices that provide translation services, offer materials in multiple languages, or employ staff members who are fluent in other languages receive higher scores. This ensures that all patients have equal access to quality asthma care, regardless of their linguistic background.

The analysis extends to the availability of asthma-related community resources. The presence of local support groups, asthma education programs offered by community organizations, and partnerships with local pharmacies are all positive indicators. These resources can provide patients with additional support and education, empowering them to better manage their asthma.

The Asthma Score is not a static measure. It is dynamic and should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Factors such as physician turnover, the introduction of new treatment options, and changes in insurance coverage can all impact the score. The ongoing monitoring of these factors is essential to ensure that patients in Grantville have access to the best possible asthma care.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Grantville, PA. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, specialized care availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and community resources, a comprehensive picture of the local healthcare landscape emerges. The final Asthma Score is a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Grantville and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and community resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the spatial distribution of healthcare services and identify areas where access to care may be limited.