17364, Thomasville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17364, Thomasville, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.11 percent of the residents in 17364 has some form of health insurance. 36.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.42 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 17364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 881 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17364. An estimate of 54 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 640 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,734 health care providers accessible to residents in 17364, Thomasville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Thomasville, PA (ZIP Code 17364)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Thomasville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17364) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the resources dedicated to asthma management, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, though a definitive numerical score is not possible without proprietary data. Instead, we will offer a qualitative evaluation, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests upon accessible and competent primary care physicians (PCPs). In Thomasville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. While precise figures fluctuate, a limited number of PCPs in the area can potentially strain resources, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient during consultations, and increased difficulty in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship – all detrimental to effective asthma management.

Primary care availability extends beyond the raw number of physicians. The type of practices available influences the quality of care. Are there practices that specialize in respiratory health or have a strong focus on chronic disease management? Are there practices that are part of larger healthcare systems, offering access to specialists and comprehensive resources? The presence of these factors would positively impact the Asthma Score. Standout practices would be those demonstrating a commitment to asthma education, offering comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively monitoring patients' conditions.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in Thomasville. Telehealth consultations can reduce the burden of travel, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in more rural areas. Remote monitoring tools, like peak flow meters connected to apps, can provide valuable data to physicians, enabling proactive management and reducing the frequency of exacerbations. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual check-ups, medication management, and educational resources, would receive a higher score.

Mental health considerations are critical in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is therefore crucial. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The absence of these resources would significantly detract from the overall assessment.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized respiratory care is a significant factor. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists is essential for patients with more severe or complex asthma. The presence of these specialists within the local healthcare ecosystem would improve the Asthma Score. The proximity of these specialists is also important. Long travel times to see specialists can be a barrier to care, especially during an asthma exacerbation.

The integration of asthma education programs is another key element. Asthma education empowers patients to take control of their condition. Practices that offer structured asthma education programs, providing patients with information about triggers, medication management, and proper inhaler technique, would be highly valued. The availability of educational materials in multiple languages would further enhance the accessibility of care.

Finally, the overall coordination of care is crucial. Does the primary care practice collaborate effectively with specialists, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers? The use of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing can significantly improve care coordination. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to coordinated care would receive a higher score. The absence of effective communication can lead to fragmented care and suboptimal outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score in Thomasville (17364) reveals a complex picture. While a definitive score is impossible without granular data, the analysis highlights the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Addressing potential limitations in these areas is vital to improving asthma care outcomes. A focus on patient education, coordinated care, and the integration of modern healthcare practices will ultimately benefit the residents of Thomasville.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Thomasville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual perspective, helping you understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.