17961, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17961, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.51 percent of the residents in 17961 has some form of health insurance. 30.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.41 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 17961 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,488 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17961. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,364 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 842 health care providers accessible to residents in 17961, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Orwigsburg (ZIP Code 17961)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma management in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17961) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the presence and quality of physicians, but also accessibility, technological integration, and the availability of crucial ancillary services. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score," a composite assessment reflecting the overall suitability of the local healthcare system for asthma patients.

A key component of this evaluation is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists within the 17961 ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from physician directories and insurance provider networks, can paint a picture of resource availability. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of providers, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care, potentially leading to a higher score. The ideal scenario is a balance, ensuring sufficient access without overburdening individual physicians.

Primary care availability is paramount. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists when necessary. The ease with which residents can secure appointments with PCPs within the 17961 area is crucial. Factors like wait times for appointments, acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of evening or weekend hours all contribute to the accessibility of primary care. Practices that offer extended hours or same-day appointments would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Beyond primary care, the presence of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is critical for patients with moderate to severe asthma. The availability of pulmonologists in or near the 17961 ZIP code, and the ease of referral from PCPs, directly impacts the quality of asthma care. Proximity to specialized respiratory care centers, including those equipped with advanced diagnostic tools like pulmonary function testing (PFT) and allergy testing, is also a significant factor. Limited access to these specialists and diagnostic services would lower the Asthma Score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another vital consideration. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online educational resources for asthma management would receive higher scores. This technology can reduce the burden of travel, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the 17961 area is a critical component of a comprehensive asthma care model. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within the 17961 area is key. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management through specialized programs, patient education initiatives, and proactive care coordination deserve recognition. These practices may employ certified asthma educators, offer asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs, and actively monitor patients' symptoms and medication adherence. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track asthma-related data and facilitate communication between providers also contribute to a higher score.

To determine the Asthma Score, a weighted scoring system would be implemented. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, primary care accessibility, pulmonologist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, would be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. The practices and resources would be evaluated based on the factors, and a final score would be calculated. This score could then be categorized, for example, as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," providing a clear indication of the quality of asthma care available in the 17961 ZIP code.

The analysis would also consider the specific needs of the population within the 17961 area. Factors like the prevalence of asthma within the local community, the demographics of the population, and the presence of environmental triggers, such as air pollution or allergens, would be considered. Understanding these factors allows for a more nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape and helps identify areas where improvements are needed.

Data collection would involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data, physician directories, insurance provider networks, and patient surveys would be used to gather information. Direct contact with healthcare providers in the 17961 area would also be necessary to gather specific details about their services and practices.

The final Asthma Score would not only reflect the current state of asthma care but also provide insights into areas for improvement. This information could be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions aimed at enhancing asthma management within the 17961 area. This could include initiatives to increase the number of PCPs and pulmonologists, expand telemedicine capabilities, improve access to mental health services, and promote patient education and self-management strategies.

This analysis is a starting point for understanding the complexities of asthma care in Orwigsburg. A more comprehensive evaluation, incorporating detailed data collection and analysis, is required to provide a definitive Asthma Score and guide efforts to improve the health and well-being of asthma patients in the 17961 ZIP code.

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