17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.45 percent of the residents in 17244 has some form of health insurance. 25.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.49 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 17244 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 512 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17244. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 359 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,166 health care providers accessible to residents in 17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Orrstown, PA (ZIP Code 17244)

Orrstown, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 17244 ZIP code, presents a specific healthcare landscape when analyzing asthma care and primary care availability. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents managing asthma within this community.

The foundation of any asthma score begins with assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Orrstown's rural setting often translates to a lower physician density compared to more urban areas. This impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying asthma diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the American Medical Association. However, based on general rural healthcare trends, it is likely that Orrstown faces a challenge in this area.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in asthma management, significantly elevate the overall Asthma Score. These practices often have dedicated asthma specialists, registered respiratory therapists, and well-defined asthma action plans. They may also participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and adjusting treatment protocols based on evidence-based guidelines. Identifying these practices requires research into local healthcare providers, analyzing patient reviews, and examining their accreditations and certifications. Furthermore, a practice's commitment to patient education, providing resources and support to help patients self-manage their asthma, is a critical indicator of excellence.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to dramatically improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas. It can overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists, receive medication refills, and monitor their condition from the comfort of their homes. The adoption of telemedicine by Orrstown’s primary care providers is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. Practices embracing telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments, and utilizing remote monitoring devices would score higher. Conversely, practices lagging in this area would negatively impact the score. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires investigating individual practice websites, contacting providers directly, and examining insurance coverage for telehealth services.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder effective management. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is a crucial component of a comprehensive asthma care model. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, collaborate with mental health professionals, or provide referrals to mental health support groups would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which patients can access them, is an essential aspect of assessing the overall quality of care.

Orrstown's Asthma Score will be impacted by the degree to which these elements are present and integrated. A higher score would reflect a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with specialized asthma care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health resources. A lower score would indicate the opposite – challenges in accessing primary care, a lack of specialized asthma expertise, limited telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health support.

Determining the actual Asthma Score requires a detailed investigation of the specific healthcare providers within the 17244 ZIP code. This includes gathering data on physician availability, assessing the services offered by each practice, and evaluating the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. This process is time-consuming and requires access to multiple data sources.

Furthermore, the overall Asthma Score is dynamic. It will change over time as healthcare providers adapt to new technologies, implement improved care models, and respond to the evolving needs of their patients. Regular reassessment is therefore necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the score.

In conclusion, Orrstown’s Asthma Score is a complex measure reflecting the interplay of various factors. The availability of primary care, the presence of specialized asthma expertise, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the quality of asthma care available to residents. A comprehensive assessment of these factors is essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and for identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Orrstown and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice specializations, and telemedicine availability, consider utilizing the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare environment.