17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.60 percent of the residents in 17038 has some form of health insurance. 38.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.05 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 17038 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,958 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 43 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17038. An estimate of 12 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,354 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,431 health care providers accessible to residents in 17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Jonestown, PA (ZIP Code 17038)

Jonestown, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 17038 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare delivery, particularly concerning asthma management. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the utilization of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and ultimately, attempts to create an “Asthma Score” reflecting the overall support system for asthma patients in this community. The analysis aims to provide insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

Assessing primary care availability is the cornerstone of this evaluation. The physician-to-patient ratio within Jonestown is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and consistent care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater accessibility. The analysis will consider not only the raw numbers but also the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, factoring in travel times and transportation limitations.

The presence of standout practices within Jonestown significantly impacts the overall Asthma Score. These practices are identified based on several criteria. First, the availability of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists within the practice or through readily accessible referrals is essential. Second, the adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is crucial. This includes comprehensive patient education, regular spirometry testing, and personalized asthma action plans. Third, patient satisfaction surveys, if available, provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience. Fourth, the practice's commitment to preventative care, including vaccination programs and smoking cessation support, contributes positively to the score.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Jonestown. The analysis will examine the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists offer telemedicine consultations for asthma patients. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and provide more flexible scheduling options, all of which are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions. The analysis will consider the ease of use of telemedicine platforms, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

The often-overlooked connection between asthma and mental health is also a key component of the Asthma Score. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Jonestown community is essential. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accessible to asthma patients. This includes assessing the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, the existence of referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups or educational programs focused on managing the psychological impact of asthma.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of ancillary services that support asthma management. This includes access to respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacies that stock a wide range of asthma medications and devices. The presence of community health programs, such as those focused on environmental asthma triggers, also contributes positively to the score.

The final “Asthma Score” will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting will be determined based on the relative importance of each factor in contributing to effective asthma management. For example, physician availability and the presence of evidence-based asthma management protocols may be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, although telemedicine’s role is rapidly growing. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy interpretation and comparison.

It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available information and may not capture the full complexity of the healthcare landscape in Jonestown. The accuracy of the score will depend on the quality and availability of data. This analysis is designed to be a starting point for further investigation and discussion.

The ultimate goal is to provide a valuable resource for the community, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in asthma care. The Asthma Score can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents about the quality of asthma care in Jonestown. The score can also be used to identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing the integration of mental health resources.

The analysis will also consider the role of community-based initiatives in supporting asthma patients. This includes assessing the presence of asthma support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations. The analysis will also consider the role of schools and workplaces in promoting asthma awareness and providing support to individuals with asthma.

In conclusion, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the asthma care landscape in Jonestown, Pennsylvania. It is a starting point for assessing the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

For a dynamic and interactive visualization of healthcare resources in Jonestown and beyond, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a user-friendly platform for exploring geographic data, identifying healthcare providers, and visualizing the distribution of resources. CartoChrome maps can be an invaluable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.