17406, York, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17406, York, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.61 percent of the residents in 17406 has some form of health insurance. 31.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.26 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 17406 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,569 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17406. An estimate of 53 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,191 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12,746 health care providers accessible to residents in 17406, York, Pennsylvania.

Asthma management, a critical aspect of public health, varies considerably across geographic regions. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 17406 (York, Pennsylvania) and assesses the broader primary care availability in York, aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking. This score will consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all vital for comprehensive patient care.

The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. In 17406, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to asthma diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions. This scarcity can also strain existing practices, leading to reduced time per patient and potentially impacting the quality of care. To assess this, we need data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, alongside the population demographics. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau are essential for this calculation. A high ratio would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and specialization of primary care are paramount. The presence of practices with a demonstrated focus on asthma management significantly boosts the Asthma Score. These practices might employ respiratory therapists, offer in-house pulmonary function testing, or have established protocols for asthma action plans. Identifying these "standout practices" requires examining physician profiles, practice websites, and patient reviews. Are there practices that specifically advertise expertise in asthma care? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on asthma management? Practices demonstrating these characteristics would receive a higher score.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Its adoption in 17406 can significantly improve asthma control, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. The Asthma Score must consider the availability of telemedicine options within the practices serving the area. Do practices offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits or medication management? Are remote monitoring devices, like peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, utilized? Practices embracing telemedicine will contribute positively to the score.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers. Do practices screen for anxiety and depression? Do they offer referrals to mental health professionals? Practices prioritizing mental health will enhance their Asthma Score.

Primary care availability across York is also crucial. While this analysis focuses on 17406, the broader availability of primary care within York impacts the overall asthma care landscape. Patients in 17406 may seek care outside their immediate ZIP code. Therefore, the density and distribution of primary care practices across York must be considered. Are there underserved areas with limited access to PCPs? Are there regional differences in the quality of care? Data from the York County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide insights into the distribution and quality of primary care services.

To create the Asthma Score, a weighted scoring system is necessary. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, specialization, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration – will be assigned a weight reflecting its importance. For example, a higher weight might be given to the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of mental health resources, as these factors directly impact access and overall well-being. The score will then be calculated based on the performance of practices and the availability of resources within 17406 and the broader York area. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape.

The final Asthma Score will be presented as a numerical value, with a corresponding qualitative rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor). This rating will reflect the overall quality of asthma care in the region. The analysis should also identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to improve asthma management in York.

The data collection process will involve several steps. First, publicly available data from government agencies and professional organizations will be gathered. Second, a survey of primary care practices within 17406 will be conducted to gather information on their services and practices. Third, patient reviews and online resources will be analyzed to assess patient experiences. This multi-faceted approach will ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

The creation of an Asthma Score is a dynamic process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatment approaches emerging. The score should be updated regularly to reflect these changes. This ongoing evaluation will ensure that the Asthma Score remains a valuable tool for improving asthma care in York. The ultimate goal is to empower patients and providers to work together to achieve optimal asthma control and improve the quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources, consider exploring the power of mapping. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the factors that contribute to the Asthma Score. They allow you to explore physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of resources across the region.