17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.92 percent of the residents in 17728 has some form of health insurance. 40.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.65 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 17728 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 769 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17728. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,096 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,932 health care providers accessible to residents in 17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Cogan Station, PA (ZIP Code 17728)

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within Cogan Station, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17728) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering key factors impacting patient access and care quality. We will examine the physician landscape, practice features, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for data visualization.

The foundation of quality asthma care lies in accessible primary care. In Cogan Station, understanding primary care availability is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio is a vital metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can create barriers to timely appointments and follow-up care. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 17728 is the initial step. This data, often available through state medical boards or healthcare data aggregators, provides a baseline understanding of access.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of primary care providers within the ZIP code needs consideration. Are practices concentrated in one area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Cogan Station? Examining the proximity of practices to residential areas and transportation options is essential. This spatial analysis helps to identify potential healthcare deserts and areas where access to care might be limited.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are critical. Are practices accepting new patients, particularly those with asthma? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient needs? The availability of same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations is a significant indicator of care quality. Additionally, the practice's commitment to preventative care, such as asthma action plans and patient education, is essential for effective asthma management.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their approach to asthma management. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and consistently implement evidence-based guidelines demonstrate a commitment to excellence. These practices often have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who specialize in patient education and support. They might also offer specialized testing, such as spirometry, to accurately diagnose and monitor asthma.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine offers numerous benefits for asthma patients, including remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide more convenient and accessible care, particularly for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The availability of virtual asthma education programs and remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, can significantly improve patient self-management and reduce the need for emergency room visits.

Mental health is an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is essential. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established relationships with mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

Assessing the integration of mental health services involves examining whether practices offer on-site counseling, provide referrals to mental health specialists, or collaborate with mental health providers to coordinate care. The presence of educational materials on managing stress and anxiety, particularly in relation to asthma, is also a positive indicator.

To compile a comprehensive "Asthma Score," data from various sources is necessary. This includes information from healthcare provider directories, insurance companies, patient reviews, and publicly available data on healthcare quality. The score should reflect the availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of their practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

The final "Asthma Score" could be a numerical rating, a letter grade, or a combination of both. It should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used and the factors considered. This transparency is crucial for building trust and allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The "Asthma Score" should also be dynamic, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. Regular updates are essential to ensure the score remains accurate and relevant. This requires continuous monitoring of physician availability, practice characteristics, and the adoption of new technologies and services.

Ultimately, the goal of the "Asthma Score" analysis is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their asthma care. It also serves as a tool for healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and to enhance the quality of care they provide.

To further visualize and understand the data used in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome Maps offers a platform to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics within Cogan Station, PA (ZIP code 17728). By using CartoChrome Maps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas where access to asthma care can be improved. Take action now and use CartoChrome Maps to see the data come to life!