17202, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17202, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.14 percent of the residents in 17202 has some form of health insurance. 32.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.26 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 17202 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,994 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17202. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,727 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,703 health care providers accessible to residents in 17202, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on asthma care quality and primary care access within Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 17202. This involves evaluating physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), and assessing the resources available for asthma management, including mental health support. The aim is to provide an Asthma Score ranking, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A higher ratio of patients per physician suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. In Chambersburg (17202), determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association (AMA), and local hospital systems. This data would need to be analyzed to ascertain the number of PCPs and specialists (particularly pulmonologists and allergists) available within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. The population of 17202 is also a key factor in this calculation. A significant shortage of physicians would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma patients, providing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring. The accessibility of PCPs in Chambersburg directly influences the quality of asthma care. Factors such as appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and the availability of evening or weekend hours all contribute to the overall accessibility score. Practices with shorter wait times, broad insurance coverage, and flexible scheduling options would receive higher marks.

Standout practices within 17202 are those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This involves several key elements. First, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, such as those provided by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is essential. Second, practices should offer comprehensive patient education programs, empowering patients to self-manage their condition effectively. Third, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination and medication management is a significant advantage. Practices that excel in these areas would be identified as leading providers.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in the delivery of chronic disease management. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. In the context of asthma, telemedicine can be used for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices in Chambersburg that have embraced telemedicine and offer virtual appointments or remote monitoring programs would receive a higher score in the Asthma Score ranking.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for asthma patients. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and offer integrated mental health services, either on-site or through referrals, would receive a higher rating. This includes access to therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses.

The Asthma Score ranking would be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its relative importance in asthma care. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and primary care availability would likely carry a significant weight. Practices would be assessed based on their performance in each category, and a final score would be assigned. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-100), with higher scores indicating better asthma care.

To create a comprehensive Asthma Score ranking, data collection is paramount. This involves gathering information from various sources, including:

* **Public Health Data:** State and local health departments provide data on physician distribution and population demographics.
* **Insurance Providers:** Information on insurance acceptance and network participation is essential.
* **Practice Websites and Patient Reviews:** Websites and patient reviews can provide insights into practice offerings, patient experiences, and telemedicine adoption.
* **Physician Surveys:** Direct surveys of physicians can gather information on practice guidelines, patient education programs, and mental health resources.

The analysis of this data will allow for a nuanced understanding of the asthma care landscape in Chambersburg (17202). It will identify areas of strength and weakness, highlighting practices that excel in asthma management and areas where improvements are needed. The Asthma Score ranking would serve as a valuable resource for patients seeking asthma care, providing them with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The final Asthma Score ranking would be a dynamic tool. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and best practices emerging regularly. The ranking should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and ensure its continued relevance. Furthermore, the ranking should be transparent, clearly outlining the methodology used and the data sources. This transparency would enhance the credibility of the ranking and build trust with patients and providers.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score analysis for Chambersburg (17202) would be a valuable tool for assessing and improving asthma care. By evaluating physician availability, primary care access, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis would provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape. This information can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and help healthcare providers identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Chambersburg (17202), including physician locations, practice details, and areas of high asthma prevalence, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to visualize and understand the data, providing a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers.