17349, New Freedom, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17349, New Freedom, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.42 percent of the residents in 17349 has some form of health insurance. 33.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.35 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 17349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,750 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17349. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,642 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,658 health care providers accessible to residents in 17349, New Freedom, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: New Freedom, PA (ZIP Code 17349)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically concerning asthma management, within ZIP code 17349 (New Freedom, PA) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the resources available to patients in this area, with a particular focus on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible and responsive primary care physicians (PCPs). The availability of PCPs in New Freedom is a crucial factor. Assessing this involves examining the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. A higher concentration of PCPs, coupled with reasonable appointment wait times, would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma management. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs, potentially leading to longer wait times and limited access, would negatively impact the "Asthma Score." It is essential to determine the average time a patient must wait to see a primary care physician.

Physician-to-patient ratios provide another key metric. National averages for PCP availability can be used as a benchmark. Comparing the PCP-to-population ratio in 17349 to these national figures allows for a determination of whether the area is underserved, adequately served, or over-served in terms of primary care access. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) could signal a challenge for patients seeking timely asthma management. This ratio, however, needs to be considered alongside other factors, such as the presence of specialists and the overall health of the local population.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care offered by local practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code, or in nearby areas easily accessible to residents of New Freedom, is critical. This involves researching the reputations of local medical groups and individual physicians. Patient reviews, online ratings, and word-of-mouth recommendations provide valuable insights into the experiences of asthma patients. Practices that prioritize asthma management, offer comprehensive care plans, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education would receive higher marks in the "Asthma Score" assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Evaluating the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine is important. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, which can be especially helpful for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

Mental health considerations are also vital. Asthma is not only a physical ailment; it can also significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The presence of mental health resources, such as therapists and counselors, within the local healthcare ecosystem is a crucial factor. The ability to access mental health support can help patients manage the psychological effects of asthma, such as anxiety and depression, and improve their overall quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma management programs would be highly regarded in this analysis.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care is a factor. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most patients, access to pulmonologists and allergists is important for those with more complex or severe asthma. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these specialists is a key component of the "Asthma Score." The presence of these specialists within a reasonable distance, coupled with efficient referral processes from primary care physicians, would enhance the overall score.

The analysis also needs to consider the availability of asthma education programs. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Practices that offer educational resources, such as asthma action plans, inhaler technique training, and information about environmental triggers, would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." These programs empower patients to take control of their condition and improve their outcomes.

Finally, the "Asthma Score" should take into account the overall community resources available to asthma patients. This includes access to pharmacies, support groups, and community health initiatives. The presence of these resources can create a supportive environment for asthma sufferers and improve their ability to manage their condition effectively.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for New Freedom, PA (ZIP code 17349) is a complex assessment. It requires a detailed examination of primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, access to specialists, the presence of asthma education programs, and the availability of community resources. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identifies areas where improvements can be made to better serve the needs of asthma patients in the community. A detailed analysis, incorporating all these factors, is necessary to arrive at a definitive score. The analysis is ongoing, and data is subject to change.