17214, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17214, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.41 percent of the residents in 17214 has some form of health insurance. 59.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.54 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 17214 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 158 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17214. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 314 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,096 health care providers accessible to residents in 17214, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17214 and Primary Care in Blue Ridge Summit

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 17214 (Waynesboro, PA) and specifically within the smaller community of Blue Ridge Summit, PA, focusing on factors critical for asthma patients. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. In 17214, the overall PCP ratio needs to be assessed using publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. This involves calculating the number of PCPs (internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatricians) per 1,000 residents. A lower ratio suggests a greater potential for appointment delays and difficulty in establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care physician. Blue Ridge Summit, being a smaller community, likely experiences a more pronounced impact from any shortages. The ratio in Blue Ridge Summit, a smaller population within 17214, is likely to be significantly higher, creating a greater challenge for residents seeking timely access to care.

Identifying standout practices is vital for asthma patients. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma management often exhibit specific characteristics. These include: providing comprehensive asthma action plans, offering patient education on triggers and medication management, and utilizing spirometry to assess lung function. Practices with certified asthma educators on staff are particularly valuable. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma care, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are likely to deliver superior care. To identify these standout practices, a review of patient reviews, physician ratings, and practice websites is essential. This should be supplemented by a review of any available data from insurance providers regarding quality metrics.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including improved access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate medication refills, symptom monitoring, and follow-up appointments. Practices that offer virtual visits, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with Bluetooth connectivity), and online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance patient care. The level of telemedicine adoption within 17214, and specifically in Blue Ridge Summit, must be assessed by reviewing practice websites, contacting practices directly, and examining insurance coverage for telemedicine services.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes access to mental health professionals, support groups, and educational materials. The assessment of mental health resources should involve examining practice websites, contacting practices to inquire about their referral processes, and reviewing community resources for mental health support.

The specific practices and their characteristics within 17214 must be investigated. Consider the presence of well-known healthcare providers, such as those affiliated with larger health systems, and the reputation of independent practices. For Blue Ridge Summit, the analysis requires an even deeper dive, given its smaller size. This will likely involve contacting local practices directly to gather information. The analysis must include the availability of after-hours care, emergency services, and access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists. The proximity of these specialists to Blue Ridge Summit is also a critical factor.

The quality of care provided by a PCP is not solely determined by their medical expertise. Factors such as the patient's ability to communicate effectively with their physician, the physician's empathy, and the overall patient experience also contribute significantly to the effectiveness of treatment. Patient reviews, online ratings, and feedback from community members can provide valuable insights into these aspects of care. The analysis should consider the availability of translation services for non-English speaking patients, the accessibility of the practice for patients with disabilities, and the overall patient-centeredness of the care provided.

The analysis should also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Factors such as poverty, lack of health insurance, and housing conditions can significantly influence asthma control. Areas with higher rates of poverty and substandard housing may experience higher asthma prevalence and poorer outcomes. The analysis should consider the demographic characteristics of the population within 17214 and Blue Ridge Summit, as well as any available data on social determinants of health.

The overall assessment should integrate all these factors to provide a comprehensive “Asthma Score” for the area. This score would reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care available to residents of 17214 and Blue Ridge Summit. This score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The final score should be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above.

To gain a visual understanding of healthcare access in the area, consider using interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data. These maps can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies for improving healthcare delivery.

Are you ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of 17214 and Blue Ridge Summit? Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps.