17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.50 percent of the residents in 17853 has some form of health insurance. 22.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.83 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 17853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 861 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,168 health care providers accessible to residents in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17853 and Primary Care in Mount Pleasant Mills

Analyzing the quality of asthma care and primary care access within ZIP code 17853, which encompasses Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately providing an 'Asthma Score' assessment. Due to the inherent limitations of publicly available data, this analysis will rely on a combination of readily accessible information, general industry benchmarks, and informed assumptions.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in physician-to-patient ratios. In a rural area like Mount Pleasant Mills, the density of primary care physicians and specialists, particularly pulmonologists, directly impacts asthma management. National averages suggest a desired ratio of approximately 1:1500 for primary care physicians. However, in rural settings, this ratio often skews significantly higher, potentially hindering timely access to care. Identifying the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 17853 is crucial. This would involve quantifying the number of practicing physicians (primary care and specialists) within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be utilized, but may require further investigation to determine the specific physician count and specialty breakdown.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the medical practices themselves significantly influence the quality of asthma care. Are there any standout practices in the area? These might be characterized by: extended office hours, offering same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, dedicated asthma education programs, and participation in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma management. Practices with a strong emphasis on patient education, including proper inhaler technique training and asthma action plan development, are particularly valuable. The availability of on-site spirometry testing is another critical factor. This allows for immediate assessment of lung function and facilitates prompt adjustments to treatment plans. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, direct contact with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical element in assessing healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a solution to geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This is particularly beneficial for asthma management, as routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and even acute exacerbation management can be handled via telehealth platforms. The degree of telemedicine integration among the practices in 17853 is a key indicator of accessibility. Are practices offering virtual appointments? Are they utilizing remote monitoring devices to track patient symptoms and lung function? The adoption of telemedicine varies widely, and its presence or absence significantly impacts the overall 'Asthma Score'.

The interplay between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and untreated mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Does the local primary care practice have integrated behavioral health services? Are there referrals to mental health professionals within the community? Are there support groups or educational programs addressing the emotional aspects of asthma? The presence of these resources contributes significantly to the overall 'Asthma Score'.

To synthesize these factors into an 'Asthma Score', a weighted system can be employed. Each of the aforementioned categories (physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources) would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician availability might be weighted higher than telemedicine adoption, given its fundamental importance. Within each category, specific criteria would be evaluated, and points would be assigned based on performance. The final score would then be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each category. This score would provide a quantifiable measure of the quality of asthma care and primary care access in 17853.

Analyzing the specific practices within the area is critical. Are there practices affiliated with larger hospital systems? This often provides access to greater resources and specialized care. Are there any practices that specialize in allergy and immunology? This is particularly important for asthma patients with allergic triggers. Patient reviews, though subjective, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. Websites and online directories can be utilized to gather information about the services offered by each practice, including hours of operation, insurance accepted, and the availability of specialized services.

The challenges of providing comprehensive healthcare in a rural setting like Mount Pleasant Mills are undeniable. Limited resources, geographical barriers, and the potential for physician shortages all contribute to the complexity of the situation. However, by carefully assessing the factors outlined above, a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' can be developed, providing a valuable benchmark for evaluating the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement. This assessment should be viewed as a dynamic process, requiring continuous monitoring and updates as the healthcare landscape evolves.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mount Pleasant Mills, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potentially, areas with limited access to care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent the data gathered during this analysis, offering a clear and concise overview of the healthcare resources available in ZIP code 17853.