17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.12 percent of the residents in 17857 has some form of health insurance. 42.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.14 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 17857 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,678 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17857. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,823 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,125 health care providers accessible to residents in 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on asthma care within ZIP code 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania, evaluating physician resources, accessibility, and ancillary support. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape, considering factors beyond the simple presence of doctors. It incorporates the availability of primary care, which is crucial for ongoing asthma management, and examines the integration of modern healthcare tools.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Northumberland County, and specifically within the 17857 ZIP code, presents a critical starting point. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau must be consulted to determine the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists practicing in the area. This number needs to be compared to the estimated population of the ZIP code and the broader county. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists like pulmonologists, can indicate potential access challenges for asthma patients. Delays in appointments, difficulty securing follow-up care, and longer wait times for specialist consultations can all negatively impact asthma management.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. They can provide initial diagnoses, prescribe medications, and monitor the patient's condition. A robust primary care network, offering convenient appointment scheduling and readily accessible care, is essential. The analysis should assess the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the availability of evening and weekend hours. Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the presence of dedicated asthma clinics or programs within primary care practices. These programs often provide specialized education, personalized management plans, and ongoing support for asthma patients.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the practices themselves. This involves evaluating factors such as the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the range of services offered, and the patient satisfaction levels. Practices with board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in asthma management should be considered highly favorable. The availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) and allergy testing can streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience. Patient reviews and testimonials, readily available online, provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the overall patient experience. Practices with consistently positive feedback and a strong reputation for patient-centered care should be highlighted.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with their physicians, receive medication refills, and monitor their symptoms. This is especially beneficial for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis should assess the extent to which practices in 17857 offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., medication management, symptom monitoring), and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care programs can improve patient access, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall patient outcomes.

Mental health resources play a crucial, often overlooked, role in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services for asthma patients in the 17857 area. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or pulmonology clinics, as well as the availability of referrals to external mental health providers. The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups or educational programs that address the psychological aspects of asthma. Integrated care models, where mental health services are seamlessly integrated into asthma care, can improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

The geographic distribution of healthcare resources within 17857 is also an important consideration. The analysis should examine the proximity of primary care practices, pulmonology clinics, and pharmacies to the residential areas within the ZIP code. This can be done by using mapping tools to visualize the location of healthcare providers and assess their accessibility. Factors such as transportation options, public transit availability, and the presence of any geographical barriers (e.g., rivers, mountains) should be considered. Patients living in areas with limited access to healthcare resources may face greater challenges in managing their asthma.

The analysis should also consider the availability of asthma education programs. These programs provide patients with essential information about their condition, including how to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and use their medications correctly. The analysis should assess the availability of asthma education programs offered by primary care practices, pulmonology clinics, or community organizations. The content and format of these programs should also be evaluated, including whether they are tailored to the specific needs of the local population. Effective asthma education programs can empower patients to take control of their condition and improve their overall health outcomes.

Finally, the analysis should include a review of the insurance plans accepted by the healthcare providers in the 17857 area. This is crucial because the availability of affordable healthcare is a major factor in access to care. The analysis should identify the insurance plans that are commonly accepted by primary care practices and pulmonology clinics. This information will help patients to understand their options and make informed decisions about their healthcare.

CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data gathered in this analysis, creating a powerful tool for understanding the asthma care landscape in 17857. By mapping physician locations, primary care availability, and other key factors, CartoChrome can provide a clear and concise overview of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to visualize the health of your community.