17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 66.67 percent of the residents in 17251 has some form of health insurance. 28.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.81 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 17251 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 21 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17251. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 16 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,149 health care providers accessible to residents in 17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care and primary care availability in Roxbury, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17251) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll assess the landscape through the lens of an "Asthma Score," considering factors like physician density, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective asthma management. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and highlight potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of any asthma score begins with physician access. In Roxbury, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can significantly hinder asthma management. Patients with asthma often require frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and education about triggers and control. A lack of readily available PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased reliance on emergency room visits, all indicators of poor asthma control. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and local healthcare providers would be required to accurately calculate this ratio.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices in Roxbury is paramount. We would need to evaluate practices based on several criteria. This would include the availability of certified asthma educators, who provide crucial patient education on inhaler techniques, trigger avoidance, and self-management strategies. Practices should also offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to each patient's individual needs. Furthermore, the practice's commitment to evidence-based asthma guidelines, as recommended by organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), is essential. Practices that consistently adhere to these guidelines are more likely to deliver optimal asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in Roxbury. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, especially for patients in rural areas, and provide convenient access to healthcare professionals. Remote monitoring of peak flow meters and symptom tracking through telehealth platforms can help patients and physicians proactively manage asthma. Video consultations allow for visual assessments and personalized guidance. The "Asthma Score" would reward practices actively utilizing telehealth for asthma management, including remote monitoring, medication refills, and virtual follow-up appointments.

The crucial link between asthma and mental health demands careful consideration. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult to manage the condition. The "Asthma Score" must incorporate the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who understand the complexities of asthma and its impact on mental health. Integrated mental health services are a key factor in a high asthma score.

Standout practices within Roxbury would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This encompasses not only the technical aspects of medical treatment but also the patient experience. Practices that prioritize patient education, actively engage patients in their care plans, and foster a supportive environment would receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that collaborate with local community organizations to raise awareness about asthma, provide free asthma screenings, and offer educational workshops would be recognized for their dedication to improving community health.

Analyzing the "Asthma Score" for Roxbury would involve gathering data from various sources. This includes reviewing public health records, surveying local healthcare providers, and interviewing patients. The data would be analyzed to assign scores based on the criteria outlined above. This would then be used to create a comprehensive assessment of asthma care and primary care availability.

The "Asthma Score" would also consider the availability of specialists. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, pulmonologists and allergists often play a crucial role in treating complex cases. The proximity of these specialists and the ease with which patients can access their services are important. The "Asthma Score" would reward practices that have established referral networks with specialists, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Another key factor in the "Asthma Score" is the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the efficient management of patient information, including medication lists, allergy information, and asthma action plans. EHRs also enable practices to track patient outcomes, identify trends, and improve the quality of care. Practices that fully utilize EHRs for asthma management would receive higher scores.

Finally, the "Asthma Score" would consider the practice's responsiveness to patient feedback. Practices that actively solicit patient feedback, use it to improve their services, and are transparent about their performance would be recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care. This could include patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and feedback mechanisms within the practice.

The "Asthma Score" is not a static measure. It is a dynamic assessment that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes incorporating new technologies, evidence-based guidelines, and patient feedback. The goal is to provide a continuous assessment of asthma care and primary care availability, driving improvements in the quality of care and the health outcomes of patients in Roxbury.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Roxbury, Pennsylvania, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and pharmacies, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can provide valuable insights into access to care, physician density, and other critical factors related to asthma management. Explore CartoChrome maps to visualize and understand the healthcare resources available in Roxbury.