17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.12 percent of the residents in 17832 has some form of health insurance. 52.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.84 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 17832 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17832. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 147 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,566 health care providers accessible to residents in 17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17832 and Primary Care Availability in Marion Heights

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17832, encompassing Marion Heights, requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score" framework, while not a formally recognized metric, can be constructed to assess the availability and quality of care for asthma sufferers, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis focuses on primary care accessibility, as primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for asthma management, and their availability significantly impacts patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Marion Heights, and more broadly within 17832, is a crucial starting point. Publicly available data, like that from the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can be used to estimate the population size within the ZIP code. Comparing this figure to the number of practicing PCPs within the same geographical area provides a crude, but important, initial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is also relevant, although their presence is less critical for initial asthma management.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are PCPs concentrated in a single location, or are they dispersed throughout the community? The proximity of practices to residential areas, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, significantly impacts access. Rural areas, like Marion Heights, often face challenges in physician distribution, potentially leading to longer travel times and increased barriers to care.

Standout practices, identified through patient reviews, online directories, and potentially through local health advocacy groups, can be assessed for their asthma management protocols. Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans? Do they routinely assess asthma control using standardized questionnaires? Do they provide patient education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-management techniques? Practices demonstrating a commitment to these best practices would receive a higher score within the "Asthma Score" framework.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Practices offering telehealth consultations for asthma management can improve access to care, particularly for routine follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education. Telemedicine can also reduce the need for travel, which can be a significant burden for patients with chronic respiratory conditions. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, further enhances the benefits of telemedicine. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it into their asthma care programs would score favorably.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, component of asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic illness, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The "Asthma Score" framework should evaluate the availability of mental health services within the practice or through referral networks. Does the practice screen patients for mental health issues? Do they have established relationships with mental health professionals who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses? Practices that prioritize mental health integration into their asthma care programs would be considered to provide more comprehensive care.

Specific examples of practices within 17832, if available through public sources or local healthcare directories, would be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. For instance, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, offering telemedicine consultations, and integrating mental health screening into its asthma management protocols would receive a higher "Asthma Score" than a practice with a lower ratio, limited telemedicine capabilities, and no mental health support.

The analysis must also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care is crucial, access to pulmonologists or allergists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of these specialists to Marion Heights, and the ease with which patients can be referred to them, is an important factor in the overall "Asthma Score."

Furthermore, the availability of community resources, such as asthma support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications, plays a significant role in asthma management. The "Asthma Score" framework should consider the presence and accessibility of these resources within the community.

The "Asthma Score" analysis is a dynamic process. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice protocols, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of community resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within 17832, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of care for asthma sufferers. This information can then be used to inform healthcare decisions, identify areas for improvement, and advocate for better asthma care within the community.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Marion Heights and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, providing a clear and insightful overview of the resources available.