17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.47 percent of the residents in 17945 has some form of health insurance. 39.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.13 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 17945 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 20 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17945. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,802 health care providers accessible to residents in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP Code 17945, encompassing the Locustdale area, necessitates a multifaceted approach, evaluating not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of asthma management resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective asthma control.

Locustdale, Pennsylvania, is a small community, and its access to healthcare, especially primary care, is a critical factor in determining the asthma score. The physician-to-patient ratio in this area is a primary indicator of access. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying necessary care and exacerbating asthma symptoms. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive management strategies. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau is essential to ascertain the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This data will serve as the foundation for the access component of the Asthma Score.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts asthma outcomes. Evaluating the practices within Locustdale requires looking beyond the basic services. Standout practices will demonstrate a commitment to asthma education, providing patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively. This includes training on inhaler techniques, trigger identification, and action plan implementation. Furthermore, practices should actively participate in asthma-related quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and making data-driven improvements to their care protocols. The practices that are actively participating in asthma-related quality improvement initiatives will score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical element in modern healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management, increasing access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices with robust telemedicine programs can offer greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. The effectiveness of telemedicine implementation can be assessed by examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and patient satisfaction with the telehealth experience. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine will be favored.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a crucial component of a high Asthma Score. This includes access to on-site mental health professionals, referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the use of screening tools to identify patients at risk for mental health issues. Practices that proactively address mental health needs are better positioned to provide comprehensive care and improve patient outcomes. Practices that integrate mental health resources will score higher.

Evaluating the Asthma Score involves a holistic approach, considering the availability of primary care, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The analysis must also consider the specific needs of the Locustdale community, accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and the prevalence of environmental triggers.

Data collection is paramount. Information must be gathered from various sources, including publicly available data, practice websites, and patient surveys. The data must be analyzed to provide a clear and concise Asthma Score for the area. This score should be easily understandable, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in asthma care within Locustdale.

The final Asthma Score will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to identify practices that offer high-quality asthma care. Healthcare providers can use the score to benchmark their performance and identify areas for improvement. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and develop targeted interventions to address gaps in asthma care. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare practices and community needs.

The analysis of asthma care in Locustdale reveals that the community faces challenges in access to care. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be a significant factor. Practices that are actively improving their asthma care practices, utilizing telemedicine, and integrating mental health resources will be highly rated.

The information gathered and analyzed for this Asthma Score can be visualized and further explored using advanced mapping tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and environmental factors that may influence asthma prevalence and outcomes, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis and facilitating informed decision-making.