17822, Danville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17822, Danville, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17822 has some form of health insurance. 29.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.59 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 17822 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17822. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,455 health care providers accessible to residents in 17822, Danville, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Danville, PA (ZIP Code 17822)**

Analyzing asthma care within Danville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17822) necessitates a multifaceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the quality of their asthma management, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma score. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced perspective, moving beyond simple metrics to assess the overall healthcare landscape for asthma patients in this specific locale.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially strain resources and limit appointment availability. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the general PCP density in Danville is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the 17822 ZIP code. This information, coupled with population estimates, allows for a preliminary assessment of PCP accessibility. Furthermore, the types of PCPs – family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatricians – need to be considered, as their specializations affect the scope of asthma care offered.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of asthma management is paramount. This involves evaluating how well local practices adhere to established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Factors to consider include the frequency of spirometry testing (a lung function test), the provision of asthma action plans, and the education provided to patients regarding medication usage and environmental triggers. Assessing these aspects requires a deeper dive into the practices themselves.

Identifying standout practices requires a closer look at patient reviews, physician credentials, and accreditations. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding asthma management, particularly those employing certified asthma educators or utilizing specialized asthma clinics, would likely rank higher. Examining online reviews, such as those on Healthgrades or Vitals, can provide valuable patient perspectives on the quality of care. Furthermore, investigating the educational background and certifications of physicians and support staff is crucial. Board certification in allergy and immunology, for instance, is a strong indicator of specialized expertise in asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption presents another crucial dimension. The ability to access virtual consultations, medication refills, and asthma education materials can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including the platforms used, the availability of virtual appointments, and the integration of remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters), is essential. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to receive higher marks, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and access to care.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health support within the Danville healthcare ecosystem is vital. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals within primary care practices or the ease of referral to external mental health providers. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide or facilitate access to counseling and support groups would contribute positively to the overall asthma score.

The accessibility of these resources must be considered. Factors such as insurance acceptance, appointment wait times, and the availability of transportation services can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer flexible appointment scheduling, and provide resources for patients with transportation difficulties would receive higher scores. This comprehensive approach to accessibility ensures that care is not only available but also easily attainable for all asthma patients in Danville.

The integration of these factors into a comprehensive asthma score requires a weighted approach. Each component – PCP availability, asthma management quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – should be assigned a specific weight reflecting its relative importance. This weighting system allows for a more nuanced and accurate assessment of the healthcare landscape. For instance, the quality of asthma management might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine, reflecting its direct impact on patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis should incorporate data on asthma prevalence in the 17822 ZIP code. Public health data, such as that available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can provide insights into the prevalence of asthma in the local population. This information is crucial for contextualizing the analysis and understanding the specific needs of the community. A higher asthma prevalence rate might necessitate a greater emphasis on resource allocation and the development of targeted interventions.

Analyzing the asthma score for Danville, PA, requires a dynamic approach. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment guidelines, and policy changes. Therefore, the analysis should be periodically updated to reflect these changes and ensure its continued relevance. This could involve regular data collection, practice evaluations, and patient feedback.

In conclusion, a comprehensive asthma score for Danville, PA (ZIP code 17822) involves a detailed assessment of PCP availability, asthma management quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all weighted according to their importance and contextualized by local prevalence data. This multifaceted approach provides a more accurate and informative picture of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients.

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