17347, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17347, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.37 percent of the residents in 17347 has some form of health insurance. 32.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.14 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 17347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,616 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,074 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,536 health care providers accessible to residents in 17347, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on asthma care within ZIP code 17347, encompassing the town of Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania, and assess the availability of primary care resources. This examination will consider physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, evaluate telemedicine integration, and consider the availability of mental health support, all relevant factors influencing asthma management.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is access to qualified medical professionals. In ZIP code 17347, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the ease with which residents can obtain necessary care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis or treatment adjustments for asthma sufferers. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access and potentially more proactive management strategies. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio.

Standout practices within Mount Wolf, and specifically within the 17347 ZIP code, demonstrate excellence in asthma care through several key indicators. These practices may employ specialized asthma educators, registered nurses with advanced training in respiratory care, or offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing within their facilities. Another crucial aspect is the utilization of evidence-based guidelines, such as those provided by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), to guide treatment plans. Practices that actively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens, provide personalized asthma action plans, and proactively manage environmental triggers are likely to achieve superior outcomes. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, peer recommendations, and potentially, direct contact with medical professionals in the area.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Mount Wolf. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, those living in remote locations, or those requiring frequent follow-up appointments. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites, reviewing insurance coverage for telehealth services, and potentially surveying patients about their experiences with virtual care. The ability to remotely monitor peak flow meter readings or symptom diaries can provide valuable insights for physicians, enabling them to adjust treatment plans promptly.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is well-established, and this is particularly relevant in asthma management. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), who can provide therapy, counseling, and medication management. Identifying practices that collaborate with mental health providers, offer on-site mental health services, or provide referrals to mental health resources is essential. The integration of mental health screening tools into routine asthma care can help identify patients who may benefit from additional support.

Evaluating the availability of primary care in Mount Wolf requires a multi-faceted approach. Beyond the physician-to-patient ratio, factors such as the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of after-hours care, and the acceptance of various insurance plans are crucial. The proximity of urgent care centers and emergency rooms is also a factor, as these facilities provide immediate access to care during asthma exacerbations. Analyzing data from insurance providers, local hospitals, and online directories can help paint a clear picture of primary care accessibility in the area.

To create an asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 17347, a weighted scoring system can be developed. This system would assign points based on the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized asthma care services, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, and the availability of primary care. Each factor could be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. For example, access to specialized asthma care services might be weighted higher than the availability of telemedicine. The scores for each practice or provider could then be aggregated to determine an overall asthma score for the ZIP code.

The final score would be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Mount Wolf. This score could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers, and by healthcare professionals to identify areas for improvement. The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic demographics of the area. Factors like poverty levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation can influence asthma outcomes. Addressing health disparities requires a comprehensive approach that considers the social determinants of health.

In conclusion, the availability and quality of asthma care in Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17347) is a complex issue, influenced by multiple factors. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating these factors and developing an asthma score that can be used to assess the effectiveness of healthcare services in the area. The goal is to provide residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

For a visual representation of the data discussed, including physician locations, practice specializations, and accessibility factors, explore the dynamic mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.