17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.67 percent of the residents in 17304 has some form of health insurance. 26.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.56 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 17304 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 588 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17304. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,867 health care providers accessible to residents in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 17304 & Aspers Primary Care

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 17304 (Hanover, PA) and the primary care landscape in Aspers, PA, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider key factors impacting asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, though a precise numerical score is difficult without access to real-time, proprietary data. Instead, this analysis will offer a qualitative ranking, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the identified geographic areas.

The foundation of good asthma care lies in accessible primary care. Within Aspers, a rural community, primary care availability is likely a critical factor. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents in Adams County, where Aspers is located. A low ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, directly impacting asthma management. A high ratio, conversely, indicates greater accessibility and potentially better outcomes.

In 17304, the situation might differ. Hanover, being a more populated area, may have a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio. However, the distribution of these physicians is crucial. Are they concentrated in specific practices or spread throughout the area? Are there enough specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, readily available? Proximity to larger hospitals or medical centers in nearby cities like York could also influence the quality of asthma care, offering access to specialized services and advanced treatments.

Identifying "standout practices" requires examining several elements. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive asthma management plans, and the use of evidence-based guidelines. Do practices in 17304 and the surrounding areas actively engage in patient education about asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique? Do they utilize standardized asthma action plans, personalized for each patient's needs? Practices that embrace these strategies typically achieve better asthma control and fewer exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication refills electronically has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Aspers or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the practices in 17304 and Aspers, including the types of services offered and the ease of access, is essential. Does the practice offer virtual check-ins, medication management, or remote monitoring of peak flow readings?

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Assessing the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals is important. Are there on-site therapists or counselors? Do practices have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? A practice that recognizes the link between asthma and mental health and provides accessible support will likely offer a higher quality of care.

Evaluating the Asthma Score requires considering all these factors. A practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, proactive asthma management plans, telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited access, a lack of patient education, and no mental health support would receive a lower score. The overall score for 17304 and Aspers would depend on the collective performance of the available practices.

The analysis of 17304 requires a closer look at specific practices. Are there any practices known for their expertise in asthma management? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma care? Do they have a dedicated asthma educator or nurse? Similarly, in Aspers, identifying the primary care providers and assessing their approach to asthma care is crucial. Are they equipped to manage asthma effectively, or do patients need to travel to larger cities for specialized care?

Data on insurance acceptance is also relevant. Does the practice accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? This is particularly important in areas with a large elderly or low-income population. Accessibility extends beyond geographic location and includes financial considerations.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption should consider the technology used. Is the platform secure and user-friendly? Does it allow for easy communication between patients and providers? Does it offer remote monitoring capabilities, such as tracking peak flow readings or symptom diaries?

Finally, the availability of asthma-specific resources within the community should be evaluated. Are there support groups or educational programs for asthma patients? Does the local health department offer any asthma-related services? A community that actively supports asthma patients will contribute to better outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in 17304 and Aspers requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. While a precise numerical score is difficult to provide without access to specific practice data, the analysis should highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape. Understanding these factors is essential for improving asthma management and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice locations, and community resources related to asthma care in the Hanover area and beyond, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.