17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.85 percent of the residents in 17068 has some form of health insurance. 34.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.30 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 17068 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 768 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 125 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17068. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 793 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 24,190 health care providers accessible to residents in 17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 17068, specifically in and around New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, access to resources, and the integration of modern technologies. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the current landscape, focusing on key indicators like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all relevant to managing asthma effectively.

The initial assessment begins with the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is crucial because it directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. While precise data on the physician-to-patient ratio specifically for asthma specialists within 17068 is difficult to obtain without granular datasets, we can analyze general primary care physician (PCP) availability and extrapolate from there. The Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare directories provide some insights, but these are often generalized and don't account for specialization or patient demographics.

Primary care availability in New Bloomfield, and the surrounding area, is a critical factor. PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, managing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and providing ongoing care. A robust primary care network is essential for early intervention and effective asthma management. The presence of family medicine practices and internal medicine clinics in the area is a positive sign. However, the proximity of these practices to the population centers within the ZIP code, and the acceptance of various insurance plans, needs careful consideration. Rural areas often face challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, potentially impacting the availability of PCPs.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, patient satisfaction scores, the availability of specialized equipment (like spirometry), and the integration of patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with the knowledge and tools to manage their asthma effectively, tend to achieve better outcomes. Reviews from patients, and the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists within the network, would also be important indicators.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical area to examine. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, offers significant advantages for asthma patients, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. It can improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and allow for more timely interventions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, are likely to provide more convenient and comprehensive care. The availability of secure patient portals for communication and prescription refills is also an indicator of a forward-thinking practice.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet crucial, component of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the primary care network or through referrals, is vital. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health, and proactively address these issues, are providing more holistic and patient-centered care. The integration of mental health screening tools into routine asthma checkups is another best practice.

Further assessment of practices in the New Bloomfield area requires a deeper dive into specific practice websites and online directories. Examining their services, physician qualifications, and patient testimonials would be necessary to identify standout practices. Contacting local healthcare providers directly can also provide more detailed information on their services, including telemedicine options and mental health resources.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care within ZIP code 17068 necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. While general primary care availability appears reasonable, the specifics of asthma-related care require further investigation. The presence of a robust primary care network, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services are all crucial for providing effective and patient-centered asthma care.

To gain a clearer understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, the proximity of practices to patient populations, and the availability of specialized services, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to analyze patterns and identify areas with limited access to care.