17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.18 percent of the residents in 17094 has some form of health insurance. 39.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.37 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 17094 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 651 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17094. 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 1,550 health care providers accessible to residents in 17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17094 & Thompsontown Primary Care

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 17094, encompassing Thompsontown, Pennsylvania, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial components influencing asthma management quality. The "Asthma Score" is a hypothetical construct, representing a composite assessment of these factors. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement, ultimately focusing on improving patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Thompsontown presents a foundational element. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians, can significantly impact asthma care. Patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions during acute exacerbations. This scarcity also affects preventative care, including regular check-ups and medication management. Identifying the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau. However, the rural nature of Thompsontown likely contributes to a lower physician density compared to more urban areas. This lower density directly impacts the "Asthma Score," negatively affecting access to care.

Evaluating the practices themselves requires a deeper dive. Are there any practices that stand out in their asthma management? This might involve assessing their adherence to national guidelines, like those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Do they provide patient education on triggers, medication usage, and proper inhaler technique? Practices excelling in these areas contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." Conversely, practices lacking these elements would negatively affect the score. Furthermore, the availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometry for lung function testing, is critical.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital aspect. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can enhance asthma care, especially in geographically isolated areas. It offers increased access to physicians, allowing for more frequent check-ins and timely adjustments to treatment plans. Practices embracing telemedicine would receive a higher "Asthma Score" rating. This includes providing virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and educational resources online. The ability to monitor patients' symptoms remotely, using wearable devices or symptom trackers, can also significantly improve asthma control. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Thompsontown needs assessment.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their impact is substantial. Asthma, a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is therefore a crucial component. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to therapists or counselors would score higher. This could involve offering on-site mental health professionals or establishing strong referral networks with mental health providers in the area. The integration of mental health services significantly boosts the "Asthma Score."

The "Asthma Score" is also impacted by the availability of asthma education programs. These programs empower patients to manage their condition effectively. Education programs, offered by practices or community organizations, should cover topics like trigger avoidance, proper inhaler technique, medication management, and emergency action plans. Practices actively promoting and participating in these programs contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." The availability of these resources within Thompsontown is crucial.

Analyzing the pharmacies in the area is also important. Are there pharmacies that specialize in asthma medications and offer patient counseling on proper medication use? Are they easily accessible to patients? The availability of these pharmacies contributes to the overall "Asthma Score." The relationship between pharmacies and the primary care practices is also important. Do they communicate effectively to ensure optimal patient care?

The accessibility of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, also plays a role. While primary care physicians manage the majority of asthma cases, referrals to specialists are often necessary for complex or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity and availability of specialists influence the "Asthma Score." The ease of referral processes and the collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists are also important.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Thompsontown, and ZIP code 17094, would be a composite of these factors. The score would be negatively impacted by a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, a lack of mental health resources, and a lack of asthma education programs. Conversely, the score would be positively impacted by a higher physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and comprehensive asthma education programs. The presence of specialized asthma-focused pharmacies would also boost the score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Thompsontown and ZIP code 17094, including the location of physicians, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive analysis of healthcare access and resource distribution.