17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.64 percent of the residents in 17063 has some form of health insurance. 29.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.62 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 17063 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17063. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 17063, Milroy, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in ZIP Code 17063 & Milroy

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17063 (which encompasses Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas) and the specific locality of Milroy, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on factors crucial to asthma management, including physician availability, primary care accessibility, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score, while not a precise numerical value, reflects the relative strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in supporting asthma patients.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on the availability of qualified physicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists. In ZIP Code 17063, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can significantly hinder access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other sources must be consulted to determine the exact ratio. Furthermore, the distribution of specialists is paramount. The presence of pulmonologists, ideally with specialized expertise in pediatric asthma, is crucial. Their availability directly impacts the severity of asthma cases.

Within Milroy, the primary care availability is particularly important. Milroy, being a smaller community, may face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. Assessing the number of PCPs practicing within Milroy or in close proximity is vital. This includes evaluating the patient load of existing practices and the ease with which new patients can secure appointments. Long wait times for appointments, a common problem in underserved areas, can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of hospitalizations.

Beyond physician availability, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate exemplary asthma management is crucial. These practices often employ evidence-based guidelines, offer comprehensive patient education, and utilize innovative approaches to care. They may have dedicated asthma educators, offer personalized asthma action plans, and actively monitor patient outcomes. Researching the patient satisfaction scores, reviewing practice websites for asthma-specific resources, and gathering anecdotal evidence from patient testimonials can help identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a significant factor in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas like parts of ZIP Code 17063. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and facilitating more frequent check-ins. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly for asthma management, can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the burden of managing chronic conditions. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients is essential.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these mental health challenges can further exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within the healthcare system is therefore critical. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as integrated mental health services within primary care practices. Assessing the availability of these resources and the level of coordination between primary care physicians and mental health providers is a key component of the Asthma Score analysis.

The Asthma Score, therefore, considers all these factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialists, primary care accessibility in Milroy, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score indicates a robust healthcare system that effectively supports asthma patients, while a low score highlights areas where improvements are needed.

To assess the Asthma Score, data from various sources must be collected and analyzed. This includes publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional medical societies. Additionally, information from local hospitals, clinics, and physician practices is essential. Patient surveys and interviews can provide valuable insights into patient experiences and the quality of care.

The analysis should focus on identifying areas of strength and weakness within the healthcare system. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio in Lewistown would be a positive factor, while a lack of pulmonologists would be a negative factor. The availability of telemedicine services would be a positive factor, while a lack of mental health resources would be a negative factor.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in ZIP Code 17063 and Milroy. This assessment helps to identify areas where improvements are needed and to highlight best practices. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for asthma patients by ensuring they have access to the care and resources they need to manage their condition effectively.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 17063, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide a spatial perspective on physician locations, access to care, and other relevant factors, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within the region.