17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.54 percent of the residents in 17213 has some form of health insurance. 51.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.93 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 17213 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17213. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 173 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 37 health care providers accessible to residents in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17213 and Blairs Mills Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on two specific areas: the availability of primary care physicians in Blairs Mills and the overall asthma care landscape for residents within ZIP code 17213, which encompasses Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and explore the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a nuanced understanding of the asthma care environment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access. In Blairs Mills, a rural community, primary care physician availability is likely a significant concern. Rural areas often face shortages due to factors like lower reimbursement rates, fewer specialists, and the preference of medical professionals to practice in more urban settings. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer outcomes for chronic conditions like asthma. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to ascertain the exact ratio, but anecdotal evidence and general trends suggest a challenging environment.

Within ZIP code 17213, the situation is likely more favorable than in Blairs Mills, given the presence of Chambersburg, a larger town. However, even in a more populated area, pockets of limited access can exist. Factors like insurance coverage, transportation challenges, and language barriers can impact a patient's ability to see a physician. Analyzing data from local hospitals, clinics, and insurance providers would be necessary to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code and identify underserved areas.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond just the number of physicians. We need to assess the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of innovative approaches to asthma management. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, regular monitoring of asthma symptoms, and proactive treatment plans would be considered exemplary. This includes practices that adhere to the latest asthma guidelines, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and collaborate effectively with specialists like pulmonologists. Reviews from patients, gathered through surveys and online platforms, would provide valuable insights into patient experiences and satisfaction levels.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased convenience, reduced travel time, and improved access to care for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and educational resources online, are better positioned to provide comprehensive and accessible asthma care. The availability of telehealth options can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for emergency room visits.

Mental health resources are also critical in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and educating patients about the link between mental health and asthma control. A coordinated approach, where primary care physicians and mental health professionals work together, can lead to improved patient outcomes and overall well-being.

In Blairs Mills, the availability of mental health resources may be particularly limited, exacerbating the challenges faced by asthma patients. The scarcity of healthcare providers in general can translate to a shortage of mental health professionals. This underscores the importance of telemedicine and other innovative solutions to bridge the gap in access to care.

For ZIP code 17213, the presence of Chambersburg may provide greater access to mental health services, but this needs to be verified through local data. Practices that actively screen for mental health conditions and offer referrals to mental health professionals are essential for providing comprehensive asthma care.

Evaluating the asthma care landscape requires a deep dive into local data. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, local hospitals, clinics, and insurance providers are key sources of information. The analysis should consider factors like:

* **Physician density:** The number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists per 1,000 residents.
* **Specialist availability:** The proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists.
* **Hospital readmission rates:** Rates for asthma-related hospital readmissions, which can indicate the effectiveness of asthma management.
* **Emergency room visits:** The frequency of asthma-related emergency room visits, which can reflect the severity of asthma symptoms and the adequacy of outpatient care.
* **Patient demographics:** The age, race, and socioeconomic status of asthma patients, as these factors can impact access to care and health outcomes.
* **Insurance coverage:** The percentage of residents with health insurance and the types of insurance plans available.
* **Patient education programs:** The availability of asthma education programs, which can empower patients to manage their condition effectively.
* **Community resources:** The presence of community-based organizations that provide asthma support and education.

By gathering and analyzing this data, we can create a comprehensive picture of the asthma care environment in ZIP code 17213 and the availability of primary care in Blairs Mills.

The findings of this analysis can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations about the strengths and weaknesses of the current asthma care system. This information can be used to develop strategies to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of asthma patients.

To visualize and explore this data in a dynamic and interactive way, we recommend utilizing **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into intuitive visualizations, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in asthma care across the region. They can also help you understand the relationships between various factors, such as physician density, socioeconomic status, and asthma outcomes. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in your community.