17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.61 percent of the residents in 17868 has some form of health insurance. 32.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.42 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 17868 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17868. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 297 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,339 health care providers accessible to residents in 17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17868 and Primary Care Availability in Riverside, PA**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in ZIP Code 17868 (which encompasses the town of Riverside, PA, and surrounding areas) with a specific focus on factors relevant to asthma management. We will assess the physician-to-patient ratio, identify standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all through the lens of their impact on asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access to care. In the context of asthma, timely access to a PCP is vital for diagnosis, treatment plan development, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. Unfortunately, rural areas often face challenges in this regard. While precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and require constant updating, publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide estimates. We will analyze the available data to determine if there is a shortage of PCPs in this area. If a shortage exists, it can negatively impact asthma patients, leading to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, poorer asthma control.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. We will investigate practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care through specific criteria. This includes practices that:

* Have a significant number of asthma patients.
* Employ certified asthma educators.
* Offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs.
* Actively participate in asthma education programs.
* Maintain a high level of patient satisfaction as measured by patient surveys.
* Have efficient systems for medication refills and appointment scheduling.
* Have clear protocols for managing asthma exacerbations.
* Offer evening or weekend hours.
* Have a dedicated asthma clinic or specialized staff.

We will evaluate the practices based on publicly available information, including practice websites, patient reviews, and information from insurance providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma management, particularly in rural settings. It can improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. It can also facilitate communication between patients and physicians, allowing for more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and early intervention when needed.

We will assess the extent to which PCPs in ZIP Code 17868 have embraced telemedicine. This will involve examining their websites and other online presence to determine if they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telehealth services. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care are likely to receive higher scores.

The integration of mental health resources is also a key factor. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health support is crucial for comprehensive asthma care.

We will investigate the extent to which PCPs in the area have established relationships with mental health providers. This includes:

* Whether they offer on-site mental health services.
* Whether they have referral pathways to mental health specialists.
* Whether they screen patients for mental health conditions.
* Whether they incorporate mental health considerations into asthma treatment plans.

Practices that prioritize the mental health of their asthma patients will be recognized.

The analysis will also consider the accessibility of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While PCPs are the first point of contact for asthma care, patients with more complex or severe asthma may require the expertise of specialists. The proximity of specialists and the ease with which patients can access them are important considerations.

The overall Asthma Score will be a composite of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in asthma management. The final score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in ZIP Code 17868. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing patients to easily understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in their area.

The analysis will also consider the availability of resources for asthma patients, such as patient education materials, support groups, and community health programs. These resources can empower patients to take an active role in managing their asthma and improve their overall quality of life.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in ZIP Code 17868, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed. The findings will be valuable to patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The final Asthma Score will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available. We will strive to keep the analysis current and relevant, providing ongoing insights into the quality of asthma care in the Riverside area. The information provided in this analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

For a visually compelling map of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17868, including the location of PCPs, specialists, and other relevant resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize the availability of healthcare services in your area.