17754, Montoursville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17754, Montoursville, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 17754 has some form of health insurance. 34.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.09 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 17754 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,658 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17754. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,453 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,040 health care providers accessible to residents in 17754, Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Montoursville (ZIP Code 17754)**

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within Montoursville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17754), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all factors contributing to an 'Asthma Score' reflecting the accessibility and comprehensiveness of care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impede access to care, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. In Montoursville, understanding the specific ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists to the overall population, and specifically the population with asthma, is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and the American Medical Association (AMA) can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. This initial assessment provides a baseline understanding of the potential strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure. A low ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Montoursville is essential. This involves researching practices with a demonstrated commitment to asthma management. Key indicators include board certifications in relevant specialties (pulmonology, allergy and immunology), participation in asthma-specific quality improvement programs, and adherence to established clinical guidelines. Practices that actively utilize evidence-based treatment plans, offer patient education resources, and have a strong track record of positive patient outcomes would receive a higher rating. Patient reviews, available through online platforms and potentially through local advocacy groups, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences and satisfaction levels. The presence of specialized asthma clinics or programs, such as those offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing or allergy testing, would further enhance a practice's score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those who have difficulty attending in-person appointments. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among Montoursville physicians is critical. This includes determining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and medication management via telehealth platforms. Practices actively using telemedicine to provide ongoing asthma care, including follow-up appointments and medication refills, would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management. The integration of telehealth directly impacts the Asthma Score, potentially mitigating the impact of a less-than-ideal physician-to-patient ratio.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and asthma is no exception. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The integration of mental health resources within asthma care is, therefore, crucial. Evaluating the availability of mental health support within Montoursville's healthcare ecosystem is vital. This includes assessing whether primary care physicians and pulmonologists screen patients for mental health concerns, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, and collaborate with mental health providers to provide comprehensive care. Practices that actively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients, either through in-house services or through collaborative partnerships, would receive a higher score. The availability and integration of mental health resources directly influences the Asthma Score, recognizing the holistic needs of asthma patients.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for Montoursville is a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. A higher score indicates better access to care, higher quality of care, and a more comprehensive approach to asthma management. This score is not a static number, but rather a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape. It should be regularly updated as new information becomes available, as practices evolve, and as healthcare technologies advance. A low score would indicate a need for improvement, highlighting areas where resources are lacking or where care delivery could be enhanced.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Montoursville is a complex undertaking. The availability of data, the willingness of practices to share information, and the evolving nature of healthcare delivery all pose challenges. However, by systematically evaluating the factors discussed above, a reasonably accurate 'Asthma Score' can be generated. This score can be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in Montoursville, and the creation of an 'Asthma Score', is a complex task, but one that can be greatly aided by visual representation. By mapping the locations of physicians, the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health resources, a clear picture of the healthcare ecosystem can be created. This visual approach allows for a more intuitive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a more in-depth and visually rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in Montoursville, and to explore the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify potential gaps in care, and inform decisions about how to improve access to asthma management in Montoursville.