17563, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17563, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 58.62 percent of the residents in 17563 has some form of health insurance. 30.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.59 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 17563 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,564 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17563. An estimate of 92 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 596 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,890 health care providers accessible to residents in 17563, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17563 and Primary Care in Peach Bottom

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 17563, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific lens on the town of Peach Bottom. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician accessibility, the integration of technology, and the provision of mental health support. This is not a simple numerical score but a qualitative assessment of the ecosystem supporting asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of good asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Peach Bottom, a rural community, the challenge is amplified by potential geographical limitations. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator. A low ratio, signifying fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to routine check-ups and urgent care. This scarcity can disproportionately affect individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, who require regular monitoring and prompt intervention during exacerbations. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires detailed data analysis, including the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP Code and the total population served. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical boards would be essential for this initial assessment.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices matters significantly. Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted evaluation. This includes assessing the practices' adherence to national asthma guidelines, the availability of specialized asthma education programs, and the use of evidence-based treatments. Patient reviews, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the attentiveness of medical staff, and the overall quality of care. Practices actively participating in the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines would score favorably, demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based asthma management.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for residents of Peach Bottom. Remote consultations can facilitate regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and asthma education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. This includes the use of remote patient monitoring devices, which can track lung function and other vital signs, providing valuable data for proactive asthma management.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked, yet they are a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is a vital element of the Asthma Score. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling into their asthma management protocols demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes the provision of resources for stress management, relaxation techniques, and support groups, which can help patients cope with the emotional challenges associated with asthma.

The analysis also needs to consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with complex or poorly controlled asthma. The proximity of specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists are all important factors. A well-coordinated healthcare system, where information flows seamlessly between providers, ensures that patients receive the right level of care at the right time.

Furthermore, the analysis should assess the availability of asthma education resources. Effective asthma management requires patients to understand their condition, triggers, and medications. Practices that offer asthma education programs, either in-person or online, empower patients to take control of their health. These programs should cover topics such as proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and the development of asthma action plans. The availability of bilingual resources is also crucial, particularly in communities with diverse populations.

The Asthma Score analysis for ZIP Code 17563, and specifically Peach Bottom, is a complex undertaking. It requires gathering data from various sources, including public health agencies, medical practices, and patient feedback. The final assessment would provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the asthma care ecosystem in this area. This allows for identifying areas for improvement and informing strategies to enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the burden of asthma on the community.

This comprehensive evaluation, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, provides a valuable framework for understanding the state of asthma care in this specific geographic area. By carefully considering these factors, we can gain a clearer picture of the resources available to asthma sufferers and identify opportunities to improve their overall well-being.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, within ZIP Code 17563 and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas with limited access to care and helping to identify potential gaps in services.