17034, Highspire, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17034, Highspire, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 17034 has some form of health insurance. 43.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.96 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 17034 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 671 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 87 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17034. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 467 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22,571 health care providers accessible to residents in 17034, Highspire, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Highspire, PA (ZIP Code 17034)

Analyzing asthma care within Highspire, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17034), requires a multi-faceted approach. An "Asthma Score" isn't a standardized metric, but for this analysis, it represents an assessment of access to quality asthma care, encompassing physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and mental health support. This analysis will evaluate these factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to asthma sufferers in this community.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of any asthma care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Highspire, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural and suburban areas regarding physician density. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires access to specific, up-to-date data, including the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 17034 ZIP code and the estimated population. Publicly available resources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, can offer population estimates, but physician counts often necessitate specialized databases or direct inquiries to local healthcare providers.

Low physician density can translate to longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialists, and potential difficulties in establishing a consistent doctor-patient relationship. This, in turn, can hinder effective asthma management. Furthermore, the availability of primary care is critical. PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, medication prescriptions, and ongoing management. A shortage of PCPs can strain the entire healthcare system, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several factors. This includes assessing the quality of care provided, the adoption of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these areas would receive higher marks on our hypothetical Asthma Score.

Evaluating quality of care often involves examining the practice's adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). These guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. Practices that actively implement these guidelines, as evidenced by their protocols, patient education materials, and medication management strategies, are likely to provide superior care. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, can offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, appointment scheduling, and overall satisfaction with the care received.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare providers. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their doctors remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This can be especially beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like asthma, who may require frequent check-ups and medication adjustments.

Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices within 17034 offer telehealth services. This includes assessing the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the technology used (e.g., secure video platforms, remote monitoring devices), and the accessibility of these services to patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine and integrate it seamlessly into their asthma care programs would receive higher marks.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

Asthma is not solely a physical condition. The psychological impact of living with asthma can be significant, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Addressing the mental health needs of asthma patients is crucial for comprehensive care.

Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide referrals to mental health professionals or integrate mental health screening into their asthma management programs would receive higher marks. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals is essential for providing holistic care.

**Putting it All Together: The Hypothetical Asthma Score**

Without access to specific, granular data, assigning a definitive "Asthma Score" is impossible. However, we can outline the components that would be considered. A high score would reflect a community with:

* A favorable physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring timely access to primary care.
* Practices that adhere to evidence-based asthma management guidelines.
* Widespread adoption of telemedicine for convenient patient care.
* Robust mental health resources integrated into asthma care programs.
* Positive patient satisfaction ratings.

Conversely, a low score would indicate challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer asthma control and a lower quality of life for asthma sufferers in Highspire.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the complexities of healthcare access requires a detailed, visually driven approach. While this analysis provides a general overview, a deeper dive requires geographic visualization of the available resources. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for this. By visualizing physician locations, practice locations, and availability of telemedicine services, CartoChrome maps can provide a clear, concise, and easily understandable picture of the asthma care landscape in Highspire, PA. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in your community.