17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.50 percent of the residents in 17252 has some form of health insurance. 31.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.28 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 17252 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,158 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17252. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 415 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,456 health care providers accessible to residents in 17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17252 and Saint Thomas Primary Care

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17252, encompassing the area around Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on asthma care, a prevalent respiratory condition, and the availability of primary care services, crucial for managing chronic illnesses like asthma. We’ll examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all factors influencing an "Asthma Score" for the region.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced continuity of care. In the context of asthma, this can be detrimental, as timely access to medication refills, specialist referrals, and emergency care is critical for managing exacerbations. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 17252 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This data would need to be cross-referenced with information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local hospital systems to determine the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists practicing within the ZIP Code.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Practices with a strong emphasis on asthma management often employ certified asthma educators who provide patient education on triggers, medication adherence, and self-management techniques. These practices also tend to have well-defined protocols for managing asthma exacerbations, including readily available peak flow meters and action plans. They may also participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing asthma control. Furthermore, the patient experience plays a significant role. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and provide a welcoming environment are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Assessing these aspects requires gathering information from patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially through direct contact with the practices themselves.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth consultations can provide convenient access to physicians for routine follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education. This is especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. The degree of telemedicine integration within the practices in 17252 can be determined by examining their websites and contacting the offices to inquire about their telehealth services. Factors to consider include the availability of virtual appointments, the types of platforms used (e.g., secure video conferencing), and the integration of telehealth with the practice's electronic health record system.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is undeniable, especially in chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can be a source of stress, anxiety, and even depression, and these mental health challenges can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Assessing this involves identifying the availability of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the ZIP Code and surrounding areas. It also involves evaluating the integration of mental health services within the primary care practices. Do the practices offer on-site counseling services, or do they have referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are they screening patients for mental health conditions? The presence of these resources can significantly impact the overall "Asthma Score."

Analyzing the "Asthma Score" necessitates a holistic approach, integrating all the factors previously mentioned. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline assessment of access to care. The presence of standout practices with specialized asthma management programs can elevate the score. The adoption of telemedicine can improve access and convenience. The availability of mental health resources is critical for addressing the psychological impact of asthma. Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" represents a composite measure of the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of asthma care within the specified geographic area.

To determine a precise "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 17252, a numerical weighting system would need to be developed, assigning points to each factor based on its relative importance. For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score, while the presence of certified asthma educators would positively influence it. The score would then be calculated by collecting data on each factor, assigning points based on the data, and summing the points to arrive at a final score. This score could then be compared to benchmarks or other geographic areas to provide a comparative assessment of asthma care quality.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape for asthma in Saint Thomas requires a comprehensive understanding of physician availability, practice characteristics, technological advancements, and mental health support. The "Asthma Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

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