17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.90 percent of the residents in 17033 has some form of health insurance. 30.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.29 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 17033 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,869 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 87 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17033. An estimate of 14 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,117 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22,996 health care providers accessible to residents in 17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hershey, PA (ZIP Code 17033)

This analysis provides an assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality for residents of Hershey, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17033), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related resources. The goal is to evaluate the landscape of care, considering factors impacting asthma management, and to offer insights into potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon readily available and competent primary care. In Hershey, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. Publicly available data, such as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, can be analyzed to estimate this ratio. This involves determining the number of PCPs (including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians) actively practicing within the ZIP code and dividing it by the population. A lower ratio indicates potentially better access to care, while a higher ratio might suggest longer wait times for appointments and increased patient burden on each physician.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community is vital. Are physicians concentrated in a single area, or are they dispersed throughout Hershey, offering convenient access to residents regardless of their location? Geographic accessibility is a key factor, particularly for individuals with asthma who may experience sudden exacerbations and require prompt medical attention. Examining the proximity of practices to residential areas, public transportation, and emergency services is essential.

Identifying standout practices within Hershey requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, appointment scheduling, and the overall quality of care. Analyzing these reviews, looking for patterns related to asthma management, can help identify practices consistently praised for their expertise and patient-centered approach. Furthermore, examining the practice’s adherence to asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), offers a measure of quality of care. Do they offer patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management plans? Do they routinely assess asthma control and adjust treatment accordingly?

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can significantly improve asthma management. Telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits, potentially decreasing exposure to environmental triggers and saving patients valuable time. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in Hershey involves examining their websites and contacting them directly to inquire about their services. Are they using secure video conferencing platforms? Do they offer remote monitoring of asthma symptoms?

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive asthma care. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within or in close proximity to primary care practices is crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who understand the complexities of managing a chronic respiratory illness. Assessing the integration of mental health services involves investigating whether PCPs routinely screen for mental health issues, refer patients to appropriate specialists, and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide holistic care.

The presence of specialized asthma clinics or pulmonologists within Hershey is also important. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma care, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of a specialist. Evaluating the availability of pulmonologists and specialized asthma clinics, their accessibility, and their integration with primary care practices can reveal the level of specialized care available to Hershey residents.

Furthermore, the availability of resources like asthma education programs, support groups, and community health initiatives contributes to the overall quality of asthma care. These resources empower patients to actively manage their condition, identify triggers, and prevent exacerbations. Researching local community organizations and healthcare providers to identify these programs is crucial.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Hershey requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the distribution of PCPs, the quality of individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialized care and community support. This comprehensive analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and helps identify areas for improvement.

To gain a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hershey, including the location of practices, physician availability, and the distribution of community resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to overlay data, visualize trends, and gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility and availability of asthma care in your community.