17035, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17035, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.16 percent of the residents in 17035 has some form of health insurance. 56.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.65 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 17035 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 126 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17035. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 278 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,583 health care providers accessible to residents in 17035, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17035 & Primary Care Availability in Honey Grove

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 17035 (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania) and examines primary care resources in the nearby community of Honey Grove, Pennsylvania. We will assess key factors impacting asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this region.

ZIP Code 17035, a suburban area, presents a potentially complex picture regarding asthma care. While the population density might suggest a reasonable distribution of healthcare providers, the actual accessibility and quality of care require closer scrutiny. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater availability. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), should be consulted to determine the specific physician-to-patient ratios for primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists within this ZIP Code. This data, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, forms the foundation for understanding the overall accessibility of care.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating clinics and individual physicians who demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This goes beyond simply having a pulmonologist on staff. Factors to consider include adherence to national asthma guidelines (e.g., those from the National Institutes of Health), the utilization of evidence-based treatments, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively engage in patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and provide ongoing monitoring of asthma control are likely to be considered superior. Review websites, such as Healthgrades and Vitals, can provide patient reviews and ratings, offering valuable insights into the experiences of asthma patients in the area.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and ongoing monitoring of symptoms. This can be especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling to appointments. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within ZIP Code 17035 involves identifying practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters connected to the internet), and online patient portals for communication and prescription refills. The presence of telemedicine can significantly improve accessibility and convenience for asthma patients, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and improved asthma control.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This could include partnerships with therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists who specialize in chronic illness. The availability of mental health support can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological burdens of asthma, improving their overall well-being and potentially leading to better asthma control.

Turning our attention to Honey Grove, a more rural community, the primary care landscape requires a different lens. Primary care availability is the cornerstone of accessible healthcare in this area. The distance to the nearest primary care physician, the availability of appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans are all critical factors. Honey Grove's proximity to larger towns and cities, such as Lewistown, will influence the availability of specialists and advanced medical services. The analysis needs to consider the travel time required to access specialists, including pulmonologists, who may not be readily available within the immediate vicinity of Honey Grove.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Honey Grove, compared to 17035, may present a different challenge. Rural areas often face shortages of healthcare providers. This can result in longer wait times, limited appointment availability, and potential difficulties in accessing specialized care. Analyzing the number of PCPs, the size of their practices, and the patient load they carry is essential. This data will paint a picture of the accessibility of primary care services.

The presence of any community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in or near Honey Grove is a crucial factor. FQHCs are designed to provide healthcare services to underserved populations, often offering sliding-scale fees and a broader range of services. These centers can play a vital role in ensuring access to primary care for residents of Honey Grove.

Telemedicine's role in Honey Grove becomes even more critical. Given the potential for longer travel times to access specialists, telemedicine can bridge the gap and provide access to asthma specialists, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers. The availability of reliable internet access and the willingness of local healthcare providers to adopt telemedicine technologies will significantly impact the quality of asthma care in this rural community.

The integration of mental health resources remains crucial. The isolation of rural communities can exacerbate mental health challenges. Access to mental health services, either through on-site providers or through telehealth, is vital for the well-being of asthma patients in Honey Grove. This requires a proactive approach from primary care providers, including screening for mental health conditions and providing appropriate referrals.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care within ZIP Code 17035 and primary care availability in Honey Grove requires a multifaceted approach. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the integration of mental health resources are all crucial components. The specific findings, based on the data collected, will inform the overall "Asthma Score" for each area. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in these regions, including physician locations, clinic information, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides detailed, interactive maps that can help you visualize and analyze the healthcare resources in your area.