17952, Mary D, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17952, Mary D, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.61 percent of the residents in 17952 has some form of health insurance. 38.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.77 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 17952 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17952. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 49 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 894 health care providers accessible to residents in 17952, Mary D, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Mary D, ZIP Code 17952

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 17952, encompassing the Mary D area, requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the raw number of physicians available but also the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing a chronic condition like asthma. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering these elements to gauge the quality and availability of care for asthma patients.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on a strong primary care infrastructure. Mary D, and indeed the entirety of ZIP Code 17952, needs to be assessed for the density of primary care physicians (PCPs). Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A high ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, allowing for more personalized attention, proactive management, and improved patient outcomes. Data on the average patient load for PCPs in the area, compared to national or regional benchmarks, is a key indicator.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Does the area boast a concentration of board-certified family medicine physicians or internal medicine specialists? Are these physicians actively engaged in continuing medical education, particularly in areas relevant to asthma management, such as pulmonary function testing and medication management? The presence of a well-equipped primary care practice, with access to necessary diagnostic tools and a supportive staff, significantly enhances the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, we must evaluate the availability of specialists. While PCPs are the cornerstone, asthma often requires the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity of these specialists to Mary D residents is a crucial factor. Long travel distances to see a specialist can be a significant barrier to care, especially for patients with uncontrolled asthma. The presence of a pulmonologist or allergist within a reasonable radius of the ZIP Code, or the availability of telehealth options, would significantly improve the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its benefits for asthma management are undeniable. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring, particularly beneficial for patients with frequent exacerbations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, would receive a higher score. The ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care plan are all important considerations.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in the context of asthma, yet they play a crucial role in patient well-being and disease management. Asthma can be a source of significant stress and anxiety, potentially exacerbating symptoms and hindering adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, within the primary care setting or through referrals, is a significant positive factor. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide access to appropriate resources would be recognized with a higher Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the local healthcare landscape. We need to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, and actively involve patients in their care plans. Practices that have implemented asthma action plans, regularly assess asthma control, and provide proactive management strategies would be considered exemplary. The use of patient satisfaction surveys and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives are also indicative of a practice's commitment to excellence.

To assess the overall Asthma Score, we would need to gather specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources. This data would be weighted based on its relative importance. For example, the presence of a pulmonologist within a reasonable distance might carry more weight than the availability of a single mental health counselor. The final score would then reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the Mary D area, ZIP Code 17952.

The assessment should also consider the availability of emergency care resources. The proximity of hospitals with 24/7 emergency departments equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is crucial. Rapid access to emergency care can be life-saving for patients experiencing severe asthma attacks. The presence of a well-equipped emergency department, with trained staff and readily available asthma medications, would positively impact the Asthma Score.

Another factor to consider is the socioeconomic status of the population in the area. Asthma disproportionately affects low-income communities, and factors such as housing quality, exposure to environmental triggers, and access to health insurance can significantly impact asthma control. The Asthma Score should therefore consider the prevalence of asthma within the community and the availability of resources to address the social determinants of health. This might include access to affordable medications, housing assistance programs, and community health initiatives.

In conclusion, evaluating the Asthma Score for Mary D, ZIP Code 17952, is a complex undertaking. It requires a detailed assessment of physician availability, primary care infrastructure, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the socioeconomic context of the community. The final score would provide a comprehensive overview of the quality and accessibility of asthma care, enabling patients and healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, specialist availability, and proximity to healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform can provide a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Mary D and the surrounding areas.