17243, Orbisonia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17243, Orbisonia, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.77 percent of the residents in 17243 has some form of health insurance. 37.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.91 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 17243 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 229 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17243. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 294 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 40 health care providers accessible to residents in 17243, Orbisonia, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly for a condition like asthma, requires a multifaceted approach. We will delve into the landscape of medical professionals within ZIP Code 17243, home to Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, and assess their ability to provide comprehensive care, including mental health resources, and innovative approaches like telemedicine. This analysis will culminate in a hypothetical "Asthma Score" ranking, offering insights into the quality and availability of care for asthma sufferers in this specific geographical area.

The first critical factor in evaluating asthma care is the physician-to-patient ratio. Orbisonia, a relatively small community, may face challenges in this regard. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) practicing within the ZIP Code, or in neighboring areas easily accessible to Orbisonia residents, is crucial. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, or databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) physician finder, can help establish this baseline. A low ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they have specialized asthma clinics or programs? Do they employ certified asthma educators who can provide patients with vital education on medication management, trigger avoidance, and proper inhaler technique? Practices with these features would score higher on the Asthma Score. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills of physicians, and the overall experience of receiving care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via video conferencing or other digital means, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals living in rural areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ins with their doctors, medication adjustments, and education on managing their condition. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication refills, would receive a higher Asthma Score. Examining the availability of telehealth services, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access (e.g., user-friendly platforms, insurance coverage), is essential.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can be a chronic and debilitating condition, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who can provide support and treatment for these conditions. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly within the practice or through referrals to nearby mental health providers, would receive a higher Asthma Score. Investigating whether practices screen patients for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or collaborate with mental health professionals in the community is essential.

In the context of Orbisonia, identifying standout practices that excel in asthma care is vital. This requires a deep dive into the practices operating within the ZIP Code or in nearby towns. Are there any practices known for their expertise in asthma management? Do any practices have specialized asthma programs or clinics? Are there any physicians who are particularly well-regarded by their patients for their knowledge, compassion, and communication skills? Identifying these standout practices and highlighting their strengths would be a crucial part of the Asthma Score analysis.

The Asthma Score itself would be a composite metric, weighting the various factors discussed above. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, no telemedicine options, and limited mental health resources would receive a lower score. Conversely, a practice with a lower ratio, offering telemedicine, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best), providing a clear and concise assessment of the quality and availability of asthma care in the area. The final score would be a subjective assessment based on available information, requiring constant updating as healthcare landscapes change.

The availability of primary care in Orbisonia is inextricably linked to the quality of asthma care. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing management. The ease with which residents can access a PCP is, therefore, a crucial factor in the Asthma Score. This includes assessing the number of PCPs practicing in the area, their acceptance of new patients, their hours of operation, and their accessibility (e.g., proximity to public transportation). The availability of after-hours care and emergency services is also essential, particularly for asthma patients who may experience acute exacerbations.

Furthermore, it's crucial to consider the insurance landscape in Orbisonia. Does the area have a high concentration of residents with specific insurance plans? Are there any practices that do not accept certain insurance plans? This could further limit access to care for some residents. The Asthma Score would need to reflect the accessibility of care for individuals with different insurance plans.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 17243 and primary care availability in Orbisonia is a dynamic assessment. It is based on several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score, a subjective assessment, would be a valuable tool for residents seeking asthma care and for healthcare providers looking to improve their services.

For a visually comprehensive map of healthcare resources in Orbisonia and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice information, and accessibility data, we recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and intuitive way to visualize the healthcare landscape, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their care.