17865, Potts Grove, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17865, Potts Grove, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17865 has some form of health insurance. 41.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.06 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 17865 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 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17865. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,501 health care providers accessible to residents in 17865, Potts Grove, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 17865 and primary care availability in Potts Grove requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician density, access to specialists, utilization of telemedicine, and integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in this specific geographic area.

The first crucial factor is physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health must be cross-referenced to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists practicing within ZIP code 17865. This information is then compared to the population size to calculate the ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, could signify potential access challenges, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The analysis will also investigate the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as they play a vital role in primary care and asthma management.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographical distribution of physicians is critical. Even if the overall physician-to-patient ratio appears favorable, concentrated practices in certain areas of the ZIP code while others are underserved creates disparities. The analysis will pinpoint the locations of practices, identifying areas with potential "healthcare deserts" where residents face significant travel distances to access care. This geographical analysis is essential for understanding the true accessibility of asthma care.

Another key element is the identification of standout practices. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria, including patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive asthma action plans, and regular monitoring of lung function will receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes will be highlighted as exemplary. The analysis will also consider the availability of after-hours care and emergency services, crucial for managing asthma exacerbations.

The integration of telemedicine is a critical factor in the modern healthcare landscape, especially in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in ZIP code 17865 have adopted telemedicine for asthma management. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine can provide more convenient access to care, reduce travel time for patients, and improve adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will also explore the challenges and barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as technological infrastructure limitations and patient access to technology.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Chronic conditions like asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices and the broader healthcare ecosystem in Potts Grove. This includes the presence of on-site mental health professionals, referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care. Practices that prioritize the mental health needs of their patients will receive higher scores, reflecting a holistic approach to asthma management.

The availability of primary care in Potts Grove is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. The analysis will evaluate the number of PCPs serving the community, their geographical distribution, and the types of services they offer. This includes assessing the availability of same-day appointments, extended hours, and after-hours care. The analysis will also investigate the presence of community health centers and other safety-net providers that serve vulnerable populations. A strong primary care infrastructure is essential for providing timely diagnosis, ongoing management, and coordination of care for individuals with asthma.

Specialist availability is another crucial factor. While primary care providers manage the majority of asthma cases, access to pulmonologists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The analysis will assess the availability of pulmonologists in the region, including their proximity to ZIP code 17865 and the ease of access to their services. This includes evaluating the referral process, wait times for appointments, and the availability of specialized diagnostic and treatment options.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the role of pharmacies in asthma management. The availability of local pharmacies, their proximity to practices, and their ability to provide medication counseling and support are essential. The analysis will assess the pharmacies' ability to offer services such as medication synchronization, refill reminders, and asthma education materials.

The 'Asthma Score' will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17865 and Potts Grove, highlighting areas of strength and identifying areas for improvement. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve access to care, enhance the quality of asthma management, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17865 and Potts Grove, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for a detailed geographical analysis of physician locations, access to care, and other relevant factors, providing a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of asthma care in this specific region.