17960, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17960, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.55 percent of the residents in 17960 has some form of health insurance. 43.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.10 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 17960 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 945 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17960. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,254 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 876 health care providers accessible to residents in 17960, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: New Ringgold, PA (ZIP Code 17960)

Analyzing asthma care accessibility and quality within New Ringgold, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17960) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial factors impacting asthma management outcomes. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective asthma care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In New Ringgold, assessing primary care availability begins with examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the number of patients each PCP is responsible for. A high ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require detailed data from insurance providers and local healthcare systems, publicly available resources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with online physician directories, can provide an initial estimate. This data must be cross-referenced with population figures for the 17960 ZIP code to determine the overall PCP density.

Beyond sheer numbers, the operational characteristics of local primary care practices significantly influence asthma care. Factors like appointment scheduling systems, after-hours care availability, and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) contribute to the patient experience. Practices utilizing modern EHRs often streamline information sharing between specialists, pharmacies, and patients, improving care coordination. Practices with readily available appointment slots and robust after-hours support systems are better equipped to manage asthma exacerbations and prevent hospitalizations. Furthermore, the existence of dedicated asthma education programs within a practice is a positive indicator, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas like New Ringgold. Remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management support can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for patients. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves identifying practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., peak flow meter data tracking), and online patient portals for communication. The degree of telemedicine integration directly impacts the 'Asthma Score', as it expands access to care and improves patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, will receive higher scores.

Asthma is a chronic condition that often coexists with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive asthma care assessment. This includes identifying practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to local mental health providers. Furthermore, practices that screen for mental health conditions and integrate mental health considerations into asthma management plans demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The presence of these resources significantly enhances the 'Asthma Score'.

Identifying standout practices within the 17960 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into individual practice characteristics. This involves gathering information on physician qualifications (e.g., board certifications, specializations), patient satisfaction scores, and adherence to asthma guidelines. Practices with board-certified pulmonologists or allergists, for example, can provide specialized expertise in managing complex asthma cases. Patient satisfaction surveys, available through online platforms or healthcare providers, offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Additionally, practices that consistently follow established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for New Ringgold is determined by a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor, including physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, is assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. The score is then calculated based on the performance of local practices across these factors. This score serves as a benchmark for evaluating the quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community. The higher the score, the better the overall asthma care environment.

Improving asthma care in New Ringgold requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, local health authorities, and community organizations must work together to address identified gaps and enhance the overall healthcare landscape. This may involve initiatives to increase the number of PCPs, promote telemedicine adoption, expand mental health services, and improve patient education. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the 'Asthma Score' can help track progress and identify areas for further improvement.

This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the asthma care environment in New Ringgold. A more detailed assessment would require access to comprehensive data, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice-level information, and patient outcomes. However, the framework presented here can be used to guide future research and inform strategic planning for improving asthma care accessibility and quality within the community.

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