17518, Drumore, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17518, Drumore, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 60.20 percent of the residents in 17518 has some form of health insurance. 22.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.96 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 17518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 629 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17518. An estimate of 11 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 212 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,222 health care providers accessible to residents in 17518, Drumore, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17518 & Drumore Primary Care

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17518 (likely covering part of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) and specifically assessing primary care availability in the rural community of Drumore, requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll evaluate factors influencing asthma management, including physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. This analysis will culminate in an "Asthma Score" assessment, providing a nuanced understanding of the resources available to asthma patients in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any effective asthma management plan rests on access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP Code 17518 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of primary care physician density. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests a greater availability of PCPs, potentially leading to more timely appointments, improved patient follow-up, and better overall asthma control. Conversely, a high ratio could indicate access challenges, potentially delaying diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. Drumore, being a rural community, may face particular challenges in this regard. Transportation barriers and a smaller pool of available providers could exacerbate the issue.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices play a significant role. Are practices accepting new patients? What are the average wait times for appointments, both for routine check-ups and for acute asthma exacerbations? Do the practices offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' needs? Practices that prioritize patient access, offering flexible scheduling and efficient appointment processes, are likely to contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the specific expertise and resources available within these practices are critical. Do the PCPs have experience in managing asthma? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Do they employ asthma educators or nurses who can provide patient education on proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans? Practices that invest in these specialized resources are better positioned to provide comprehensive asthma care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like asthma, especially in areas with limited access to in-person care. Examining the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in ZIP Code 17518 is essential. Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, or symptom monitoring? Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients in Drumore, reducing the need for lengthy travel and allowing for more frequent contact with their providers. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to score higher on the Asthma Score.

The intricate connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Conversely, psychological distress can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is crucial. Do practices offer on-site mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Practices that integrate mental health support into their asthma management plans are likely to provide more holistic and effective care. The Asthma Score should reflect this.

Identifying "standout practices" within ZIP Code 17518 requires a deeper dive into practice-level data. This involves reviewing patient reviews, analyzing quality metrics (if available), and potentially conducting interviews with patients and providers. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in asthma management, as evidenced by positive patient outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and proactive approaches to care, would be considered standout practices. These practices can serve as models for others in the area.

To calculate the Asthma Score, we would assign weighted scores to each of the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics (access, expertise, resources), telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The weights would reflect the relative importance of each factor in influencing asthma management. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might receive a high weight, while the presence of a dedicated asthma educator might receive a slightly lower weight. The scores for each factor would then be combined to produce an overall Asthma Score for ZIP Code 17518, with Drumore's primary care situation considered within this broader context.

The final Asthma Score would provide a quantitative assessment of the healthcare landscape's suitability for asthma patients. It would help identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing for targeted interventions to improve care. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, efforts could be focused on recruiting more PCPs to the area. If telemedicine adoption is low, initiatives could be launched to encourage practices to integrate virtual care options. If mental health support is lacking, collaborations could be established with local mental health providers.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score analysis for ZIP Code 17518 and Drumore's primary care availability requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. By assessing these factors, we can gain a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify opportunities to improve asthma management. This information can be invaluable for patients, providers, and policymakers alike.