17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.93 percent of the residents in 17801 has some form of health insurance. 44.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.51 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 17801 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,566 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17801. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,133 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,436 health care providers accessible to residents in 17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

The challenge of assessing asthma care within a specific geographical area, like Sunbury, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17801), requires a multifaceted approach. A simple “Asthma Score” is insufficient; a deeper dive into various factors impacting patient outcomes is necessary. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all while acknowledging the inherent limitations of publicly available data.

Sunbury, a town in Northumberland County, faces the typical challenges of a rural community. Access to specialized medical care, including pulmonologists and allergists, can be limited. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care providers (PCPs) become paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and decreased opportunities for proactive asthma management. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, alongside physician directories and insurance provider networks, can provide estimates of this ratio. However, it's crucial to recognize that these figures are often averages and don't reflect the actual availability of doctors accepting new patients or specializing in asthma care.

Primary care practices in Sunbury vary in their approach to asthma management. Some practices might be designated as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), indicating a commitment to coordinated, patient-focused care. This designation often translates into better asthma control through improved communication, medication adherence support, and proactive management plans. Others might not have the same level of resources or training. Evaluating practices requires examining several factors: the availability of asthma action plans, the frequency of spirometry testing (a lung function test), the use of inhaled corticosteroid prescriptions, and the rate of asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations among their patient populations. Data on these factors is often difficult to obtain publicly, requiring collaboration with healthcare providers and potentially patient surveys, which are outside the scope of this analysis.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving asthma care in areas with limited access to specialists. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Sunbury is a key indicator of their ability to provide timely and convenient care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with pulmonologists, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. The extent of telemedicine adoption can be assessed by examining practice websites, reviewing insurance coverage for telehealth services, and potentially surveying local healthcare providers. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine are likely to provide more comprehensive asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and these mental health conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to therapists or psychiatrists are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Assessing this aspect requires examining practice websites, inquiring about referral networks, and potentially surveying patients to gauge their access to mental health support.

Standout practices in Sunbury would likely demonstrate several key characteristics. They would have a high physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring timely access to care. They would be PCMH-certified, reflecting a commitment to coordinated care. They would actively utilize telemedicine to facilitate virtual consultations and remote monitoring. They would integrate mental health screening and provide access to mental health support. They would also have a track record of low asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations. These practices would be the cornerstones of good asthma management in the area.

The assessment of asthma care in Sunbury is a complex undertaking. A true “Asthma Score” would need to be based on a comprehensive dataset that is not readily available. However, by examining the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – we can gain a valuable understanding of the current landscape and identify areas for improvement. The information provided here is a starting point for a more in-depth investigation.

To further visualize and analyze the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and patient outcomes, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visually represent data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sunbury and beyond.