17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.34 percent of the residents in 17353 has some form of health insurance. 31.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.75 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 17353 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 623 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17353. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 494 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,732 health care providers accessible to residents in 17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17353 & Primary Care in Orrtanna

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 17353 (representing the area) and the specific primary care landscape in Orrtanna, a location within or near that ZIP Code. We will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the resources dedicated to asthma management, and the overall quality of care accessible to residents, culminating in an 'Asthma Score' assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Orrtanna, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, meaning a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, presents a significant challenge. Patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnosis and treatment. This scarcity can also strain existing resources, impacting the quality of care. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater accessibility, allowing for proactive management and regular check-ups, vital for asthma control.

Beyond physician numbers, the presence of specialized asthma care is crucial. Are primary care practices equipped with spirometry equipment for lung function testing? Do they have established protocols for asthma action plans and patient education? The availability of these resources directly impacts the ability to effectively manage asthma. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources on triggers, medication adherence, and emergency protocols, contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, enhances accessibility, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care. This approach can reduce the burden on in-person appointments, freeing up resources for patients requiring more intensive care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are integral to overall well-being. Asthma can be a significant stressor, leading to anxiety, depression, and exacerbating asthma symptoms. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration acknowledges the complex interplay between physical and mental health, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Specific practice characteristics are vital to consider. Are there any standout practices within the area? Practices that have received accolades for patient care, employ certified asthma educators, or actively participate in asthma research and community outreach programs deserve special recognition. These practices often set a higher standard of care, providing a model for others to emulate. Identifying these standout practices can help guide patients towards the best possible care.

Assessing the quality of care involves evaluating several factors. Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Reviews and testimonials can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of individual practices. Analyzing data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits can provide a measure of effectiveness of asthma management within the community. A lower rate of hospitalizations and ER visits suggests better asthma control.

Considering all these factors, an 'Asthma Score' can be developed. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized asthma resources, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the overall quality of care. A higher score would indicate better accessibility and quality of care, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

For ZIP Code 17353, the 'Asthma Score' is influenced by the specific primary care landscape in Orrtanna. If Orrtanna has a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited specialized resources, and minimal telemedicine adoption, the overall score for the ZIP Code would likely be negatively impacted. Conversely, if Orrtanna boasts a robust primary care infrastructure with ample resources, the score would be significantly higher.

The assessment of mental health resources also weighs heavily. If Orrtanna primary care practices actively integrate mental health services, the score will be positively affected. If mental health resources are lacking, the score will suffer, recognizing the vital role of mental well-being in asthma management.

The presence of standout practices in Orrtanna also significantly impacts the score. If practices demonstrate exceptional asthma care, the overall score for the ZIP Code will rise. These practices serve as models, influencing the standard of care within the community.

The 'Asthma Score' is not a static metric. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare access, resource availability, and the quality of care. This ongoing assessment is vital for identifying areas needing improvement and ensuring that residents of ZIP Code 17353 receive the best possible asthma management.

Ultimately, this analysis is a snapshot in time, offering a preliminary assessment of the asthma care landscape in ZIP Code 17353 and Orrtanna. A comprehensive evaluation would require extensive data collection and analysis. However, this assessment provides a framework for understanding the key factors influencing asthma management and highlights the importance of accessible, high-quality primary care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17353 and beyond, including detailed maps of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations that can help you assess the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in your area.