17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.18 percent of the residents in 17361 has some form of health insurance. 34.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.61 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 17361 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17361. An estimate of 54 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,777 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 15,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP code 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating not only the raw number of physicians but also the quality and accessibility of care. This analysis considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall performance of local practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. Accurate data on the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing within the 17361 ZIP code is essential. Publicly available resources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide this information, though it may require cross-referencing with private databases to verify active practice status. The national average physician-to-patient ratio serves as a benchmark; any significant deviation warrants further investigation.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs and pulmonologists is crucial. Are they clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Shrewsbury underserved? Are there any underserved populations, such as those with limited transportation options or those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who face greater barriers to accessing care? Understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources is paramount to equitable access.

The quality of care is another essential component of the ‘Asthma Score.’ This involves assessing the practices' adherence to national guidelines for asthma management, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). This includes evaluating the use of spirometry to diagnose and monitor asthma, the provision of written asthma action plans, and the education of patients on proper inhaler technique and environmental control measures. Publicly available data on quality metrics, such as those reported by CMS or private insurance providers, can offer insights into the performance of individual practices.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves looking beyond basic metrics and considering factors such as patient satisfaction, the use of innovative asthma management strategies, and the integration of mental health services. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide comprehensive education, and utilize technology to improve outcomes should be recognized. Reviews from patients, though subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in improving access to care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for frequent office visits, especially for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within the 17361 ZIP code involves identifying which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can be considered to be demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to care delivery.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital element of the ‘Asthma Score’ analysis. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services within the community is crucial. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists), the integration of mental health screening into asthma care, and the ease of referral to mental health services. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide integrated care should receive a higher score.

Specific examples of practices within the 17361 ZIP code, if available, would be included in the analysis. This would involve identifying practices that excel in specific areas, such as patient education, telemedicine adoption, or mental health integration. For instance, a practice that offers asthma education classes, provides remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and has a dedicated mental health professional on staff would likely receive a high ‘Asthma Score.’ Conversely, a practice that lacks these features might receive a lower score.

The assessment of primary care availability in Shrewsbury is inextricably linked to the overall asthma care landscape. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients with asthma. Their ability to provide timely diagnoses, initiate appropriate treatment, and coordinate care with specialists is crucial. Therefore, the availability of PCPs, their willingness to manage asthma patients, and their referral practices are all important considerations. The analysis would assess the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the availability of after-hours care.

Furthermore, the analysis would evaluate the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists. These specialists are essential for managing complex asthma cases, performing advanced diagnostic tests, and providing specialized treatments. The distance to the nearest pulmonologist or allergist, the availability of appointments, and the insurance acceptance policies of these specialists are all relevant factors.

The ‘Asthma Score’ analysis would also consider the availability of community resources that support asthma management. This includes asthma education programs, support groups, and access to affordable medications. The analysis would assess the presence of these resources within the 17361 ZIP code and their accessibility to patients.

In conclusion, the ‘Asthma Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 17361 and primary care availability in Shrewsbury is a composite measure. It reflects the complex interplay of factors that influence the quality and accessibility of asthma care. The analysis would provide a detailed assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the performance of local practices. This comprehensive evaluation would identify strengths and weaknesses within the community and highlight areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Shrewsbury, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of community resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can transform complex data into easily understandable maps.