17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.89 percent of the residents in 17249 has some form of health insurance. 48.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.87 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 17249 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 70 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17249. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 69 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 40 health care providers accessible to residents in 17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within ZIP Code 17249 and the Rockhill Furnace area requires a multi-faceted approach. We’ll assess the landscape based on available data, acknowledging the limitations of publicly accessible information and the need for further investigation to provide a truly comprehensive Asthma Score. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all relevant factors in determining a patient’s overall care experience.

The first step is to examine the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a basic understanding of the potential burden on primary care physicians, who often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma management. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights into primary care physician density within ZIP Code 17249 and the broader Rockhill Furnace area. However, these datasets may not be granular enough to reflect the specific needs of asthma patients. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might be acceptable if a significant number of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, are readily accessible. Conversely, a low ratio could be misleading if those physicians are not accepting new patients or have long wait times.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond basic metrics. We need to consider factors such as the availability of same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores. While directly comparing practices is difficult without detailed patient-level data, we can look for indicators of quality. For instance, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are likely to provide better care. Furthermore, practices that offer patient education programs, including instruction on inhaler technique and asthma action plans, demonstrate a commitment to proactive asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to access virtual consultations, especially for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments, can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients in rural areas like Rockhill Furnace. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, saving patients time and money, and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. We need to assess which practices in the area offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to be more accessible and responsive to patient needs.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential for asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, practices that offer or refer patients to mental health services are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, partnerships with local mental health providers, or a system for screening patients for mental health concerns. Practices that address the psychological aspects of asthma are more likely to improve patient outcomes.

Assessing the availability of these resources in Rockhill Furnace and ZIP Code 17249 requires careful research. Publicly available data sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide information on healthcare facilities and providers. Local community resources, such as hospitals and clinics, should be investigated to see if they provide asthma-specific services. However, information may be limited.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Publicly available data is often incomplete or outdated. Patient-level data, which would allow for a more accurate assessment of care quality, is generally not accessible. Furthermore, the definition of “standout practices” is subjective and depends on the specific criteria used. A comprehensive Asthma Score would require a more in-depth investigation, including direct communication with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and a review of medical records (with appropriate patient consent).

To create a more accurate Asthma Score, we would need to gather specific data points. This includes the number of primary care physicians and specialists (pulmonologists, allergists) practicing in the area, their patient panel sizes, and the acceptance of new patients. We would also need to know the availability of after-hours care, the use of electronic health records, and the availability of asthma-specific education programs. Finally, information on patient satisfaction, medication adherence, and asthma exacerbation rates would be valuable.

The Asthma Score for ZIP Code 17249 and Rockhill Furnace, based on this preliminary analysis, would likely be moderate. The rural nature of the area suggests potential challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources are likely to vary among practices. The availability of local community resources could be a determining factor in the overall score.

In conclusion, a detailed assessment of asthma care in ZIP Code 17249 and Rockhill Furnace is complex. While a definitive Asthma Score requires more comprehensive data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the key factors that influence care quality. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the presence of asthma-specific programs are all critical considerations.

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