17317, East Prospect, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17317, East Prospect, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.51 percent of the residents in 17317 has some form of health insurance. 26.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.46 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 17317 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 146 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17317. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 59 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,711 health care providers accessible to residents in 17317, East Prospect, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts the quality of life for millions. Effective management hinges on accessible and quality healthcare. This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape for doctors in ZIP code 17317 (East Prospect, Pennsylvania) and evaluates primary care availability within the same geographic area. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to asthma patients, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, practice highlights, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

East Prospect, Pennsylvania, is a small community. Its healthcare infrastructure, therefore, presents unique challenges and opportunities. A crucial factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. Assessing this requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, specifically pulmonologists and allergists, practicing within the ZIP code or a reasonable radius. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, can offer population figures. Cross-referencing these with physician directories and healthcare provider databases allows for an estimated ratio. A higher ratio of patients per physician suggests potential access limitations, particularly for specialized care crucial for asthma management.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. The analysis should identify standout practices within the area. This involves examining factors like appointment availability, wait times, and the range of services offered. Are appointments easily scheduled, or do patients face extended delays? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry for lung function testing, is critical for timely asthma diagnosis and monitoring. Practices that proactively implement asthma action plans, provide patient education, and coordinate care with specialists are indicators of quality.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. The analysis should assess the extent to which doctors in 17317 offer telemedicine services. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management support via online platforms. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking follow-up appointments. Practices that leverage technology to facilitate patient communication and provide convenient access to healthcare demonstrate a commitment to modern asthma management.

Asthma often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact overall well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a crucial aspect of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis should investigate whether practices offer on-site mental health services, collaborate with mental health professionals, or provide referrals to therapists and psychiatrists. Integrated care, where mental and physical health are addressed holistically, is essential for optimizing asthma outcomes.

The analysis also requires a deeper dive into the specific practices in the area. Identifying the names of the practices and the physicians associated with them is essential. This allows for a more detailed evaluation of their services, including their approach to asthma management. For instance, does a practice offer specialized asthma education programs, or does it have a dedicated asthma nurse or respiratory therapist on staff? These specialized resources can significantly enhance patient care and improve asthma control.

Moreover, the analysis should consider the insurance landscape. Does the practice accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? This is particularly important in a community like East Prospect, where a significant portion of the population may rely on these programs. Practices that are accessible to patients with diverse insurance coverage contribute to equitable access to care.

Beyond the direct provision of care, the analysis must also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. This includes the availability of pharmacies within the area and the ease of access to asthma medications. Are there local pharmacies that stock a wide range of asthma medications, including inhalers, nebulizers, and other essential supplies? Are there programs available to help patients afford their medications, such as patient assistance programs or discount cards?

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources. Are there local support groups for asthma patients or educational programs offered by community organizations? These resources can provide valuable support and information to patients and their families. Practices that collaborate with community organizations to provide educational programs or support groups demonstrate a commitment to patient empowerment.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in East Prospect (ZIP code 17317) requires a comprehensive approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources. It also necessitates a detailed examination of the practices themselves, their services, and their approach to asthma management. Finally, the analysis should consider the broader healthcare ecosystem, including the availability of pharmacies, insurance coverage, and community resources. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to asthma patients and to identify areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in East Prospect and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice information, and other relevant data, making it easier to understand the accessibility and availability of asthma care resources. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a spatial understanding of the healthcare infrastructure in your community.