17562, Paradise, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17562, Paradise, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 63.47 percent of the residents in 17562 has some form of health insurance. 20.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.02 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 17562 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,683 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 24 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17562. An estimate of 296 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 499 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22,436 health care providers accessible to residents in 17562, Paradise, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Paradise, PA (ZIP Code 17562)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically regarding asthma management within Paradise, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17562), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider factors impacting asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately providing an “Asthma Score” assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Paradise, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Precise data on this ratio requires a comprehensive investigation, but we can infer general availability. Rural areas often face challenges with physician shortages. If Paradise experiences a lower-than-average PCP density, it directly impacts asthma sufferers. Longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and potential delays in diagnosis or treatment adjustments are likely consequences. This impacts the initial “Asthma Score.”

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma care often employ specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, or offer dedicated asthma education programs. These practices typically adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). A practice that consistently monitors patient asthma control, provides comprehensive action plans, and actively engages patients in their care would significantly improve the "Asthma Score." Conversely, practices lacking these elements would negatively affect the score.

Telemedicine adoption has revolutionized healthcare access, especially in rural areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine offers significant benefits. Virtual consultations allow for medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and educational sessions without requiring in-person visits. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, offering virtual asthma check-ups, and providing remote monitoring devices would enhance the "Asthma Score." Practices lagging in this area would be penalized.

The link between asthma and mental health is undeniable. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients. Effective asthma management must address these mental health concerns. Practices offering integrated mental health services, either in-house or through readily accessible referrals, would positively impact the "Asthma Score." The availability of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists specializing in chronic respiratory conditions is crucial. Conversely, a lack of mental health support would negatively affect the score, reflecting a potential gap in comprehensive patient care.

Evaluating the quality of asthma care also requires considering the availability of specialized resources. Access to pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists is vital. The presence of these specialists within a reasonable distance from Paradise improves the "Asthma Score." Proximity to hospitals with well-equipped respiratory departments and emergency care capabilities is also essential.

The "Asthma Score" itself would be a composite metric, reflecting the factors discussed. It would not be a simple numerical value but a qualitative assessment, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Paradise. This assessment would incorporate:

* **Physician Availability:** Assessing the PCP-to-patient ratio and the ease of access to primary care.
* **Practice Quality:** Evaluating the presence of specialized asthma programs, adherence to guidelines, and patient education initiatives.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** Examining the adoption of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telemedicine tools.
* **Mental Health Support:** Assessing the availability of integrated mental health services and referrals.
* **Specialist Access:** Considering the proximity to pulmonologists, allergists, respiratory therapists, and hospital resources.

Based on these factors, the "Asthma Score" for Paradise, PA (ZIP code 17562) could be categorized into tiers, for example:

* **Excellent:** Demonstrating exceptional access to care, comprehensive programs, and integrated mental health support.
* **Good:** Providing adequate care with some areas for improvement, such as increased telemedicine adoption or mental health integration.
* **Fair:** Experiencing challenges in access, potentially lacking specialized programs or mental health support.
* **Poor:** Significant deficiencies in multiple areas, indicating a need for substantial improvement in asthma care.

To determine a final "Asthma Score" and provide actionable insights, a deeper investigation is necessary. This would involve gathering data on physician availability, surveying local practices, and assessing the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the demographics of Paradise. The prevalence of asthma within the population, including age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors, will influence the overall "Asthma Score." A community with a higher prevalence of asthma requires more robust resources and support systems.

The final "Asthma Score" would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would highlight areas of strength and weakness, guiding efforts to improve asthma care in Paradise. It would also provide a benchmark for tracking progress over time.

This type of detailed analysis is complex, requiring data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The accuracy of the "Asthma Score" depends on the quality and completeness of the data. However, even a preliminary assessment can provide valuable insights and inform strategies for improving asthma care in Paradise, PA.

This analysis is a starting point. To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential disparities, consider using interactive mapping tools.
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