17356, Red Lion, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17356, Red Lion, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.55 percent of the residents in 17356 has some form of health insurance. 30.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.06 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 17356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,215 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17356. An estimate of 43 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,615 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,478 health care providers accessible to residents in 17356, Red Lion, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within Red Lion, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17356), necessitates a multi-faceted approach, examining not just the presence of physicians but also the accessibility, quality, and supportive resources available to patients. We will explore the landscape, focusing on key indicators to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, while also touching on the broader context of primary care availability. This assessment isn’t a simple numerical ranking but a qualitative evaluation considering various factors.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, understanding the general ratio provides a baseline. The national average offers a benchmark. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering timely asthma management. Conversely, a lower ratio may suggest greater accessibility. In Red Lion, the ratio needs to be evaluated against the broader York County context. Is the area attracting enough primary care physicians to meet the needs of a population that includes a significant number of asthmatics?

Primary care availability is intrinsically linked to asthma care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for asthma diagnosis, management, and referral. The ease with which residents can secure appointments with PCPs is a critical factor. Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients? Are appointment wait times reasonable? A shortage of PCPs, or long waits, can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations. Furthermore, a lack of readily available primary care can force patients to seek care in urgent care settings, which may not always offer the comprehensive, ongoing management essential for asthma control.

Identifying standout practices within Red Lion requires looking beyond just the number of physicians. We must consider factors like patient reviews, the implementation of evidence-based asthma guidelines, and the availability of specialized asthma education programs. Does a practice offer comprehensive asthma action plans? Are patients educated on proper inhaler technique? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses? Practices that prioritize patient education and proactive management strategies tend to achieve better asthma control outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication refills? Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms, allowing physicians to intervene proactively and prevent exacerbations. The availability of telemedicine is particularly important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments due to mobility issues or transportation limitations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health support is therefore crucial. Are mental health professionals integrated into the primary care practices in Red Lion? Are referrals to mental health specialists readily available? Practices that address the mental health needs of their patients are better equipped to provide holistic care and improve overall outcomes.

Evaluating the availability of specialized asthma care is also essential. Are there pulmonologists or allergists in the area? While PCPs manage the majority of asthma cases, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require specialized care. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists are important factors in determining the quality of asthma care in the area. Easy access to specialists ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of care when needed.

The assessment of asthma care in Red Lion also includes the availability of support groups and community resources. Do local organizations offer asthma education programs or support groups for patients and their families? These resources can provide valuable information, emotional support, and a sense of community, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

The "Asthma Score" for Red Lion, therefore, is not a simple calculation but a complex evaluation. It's influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, primary care accessibility, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialized asthma care and community support. A high score would indicate a community with readily accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive asthma care, supported by resources that address the patient's physical and emotional needs. A lower score would signal areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, enhancing patient education, or increasing access to mental health services.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in Red Lion highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the factors impacting patient care. The ability to visualize this data, to map physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, is crucial for informed decision-making. CartoChrome maps can be instrumental in this process. They provide a powerful tool for visualizing complex data, identifying gaps in care, and ultimately, improving the health outcomes of the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Red Lion, explore the potential of CartoChrome maps. They offer a visual and interactive way to analyze the data discussed in this analysis.