17823, Dornsife, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17823, Dornsife, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.70 percent of the residents in 17823 has some form of health insurance. 31.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.65 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 17823 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 336 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17823. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 259 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,345 health care providers accessible to residents in 17823, Dornsife, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17823 and Primary Care Availability in Dornsife

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 17823, encompassing the town of Dornsife, Pennsylvania, and aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, incorporating factors pertinent to asthma management and overall primary care availability. This score is not a definitive numerical value but a qualitative evaluation based on available data and research. The goal is to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, particularly for residents managing asthma.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access. In rural areas like Dornsife, this ratio often presents challenges. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 17823. However, based on the rural nature of the area, it is likely that the ratio is less favorable compared to more urbanized regions. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, limited appointment availability, and potentially, a reliance on emergency room visits for non-emergency asthma exacerbations. The Asthma Score would be negatively impacted by a lower physician-to-patient ratio.

Primary care availability, a critical component of asthma management, is also assessed. Regular check-ups with a primary care physician (PCP) are essential for monitoring asthma control, adjusting medications, and providing preventative care. The analysis considers the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, the types of primary care practices available (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine), and their acceptance of various insurance plans. The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, within a reasonable distance (e.g., within a 30-mile radius) would also positively influence the score. The Asthma Score benefits from a robust primary care infrastructure.

Identifying standout practices is a key element of this analysis. This involves researching practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This could include practices that: offer extended hours, accept a wide range of insurance plans, have a strong patient education component, and actively participate in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives. Reviews and testimonials from patients, accessible through online platforms, would be valuable in identifying practices with a reputation for providing high-quality care. The Asthma Score would be elevated by the presence of such exemplary practices.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by reducing travel time and expanding the reach of specialists. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services for asthma management within 17823 is crucial. Does the local primary care network offer virtual consultations? Are there telehealth options for specialist consultations, such as with pulmonologists or allergists? The Asthma Score would be positively influenced by the availability and utilization of telemedicine services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis investigates the availability of mental health services within the community. Are there therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists accepting new patients within the area or nearby? Are these mental health providers familiar with the psychological aspects of chronic illnesses like asthma? The Asthma Score benefits from the availability of accessible mental health support.

The presence of community resources that support asthma management is also factored into the assessment. This includes: asthma support groups, educational programs offered by local hospitals or health organizations, and access to pharmacies that offer asthma medication counseling and services. The Asthma Score would be positively affected by a strong network of community resources.

The availability of asthma-specific medications and devices is another essential consideration. Are common asthma medications readily available at local pharmacies? Are there programs to assist patients with the cost of medications? Is there access to devices like nebulizers and peak flow meters? The Asthma Score is negatively impacted by limited access to necessary medications and devices.

Furthermore, the analysis considers environmental factors that can trigger asthma exacerbations. This includes an assessment of air quality data for the area, the prevalence of allergens (e.g., pollen, mold), and the presence of environmental hazards. The Asthma Score would be negatively affected by poor air quality and a high prevalence of allergens.

The Asthma Score, for this analysis, is not a single number but a holistic picture. It is a qualitative assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community support, medication access, and environmental factors. The score reflects the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals with asthma within the specified ZIP code.

The analysis concludes with a summary of the findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. It offers recommendations for improvement, such as advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services. The Asthma Score is a dynamic tool that can be used to monitor progress and identify areas where further investment and intervention are needed.

To visualize and further understand the healthcare landscape of Dornsife and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can visually represent the data discussed in this analysis. Using CartoChrome, you can map the locations of physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources, overlaying data on population density, environmental factors, and other relevant variables. This visual representation can enhance understanding and facilitate data-driven decision-making to improve asthma care in the community. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.