17964, Pitman, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17964, Pitman, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.06 percent of the residents in 17964 has some form of health insurance. 35.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.97 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 17964 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 247 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17964. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 164 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 467 health care providers accessible to residents in 17964, Pitman, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17964 and Primary Care in Pitman

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 17964 (Pitman, PA) to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to manage asthma, ultimately resulting in an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score isn't a single number but a comprehensive evaluation based on several key factors.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and consistent care. Publicly available data, such as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, can provide population figures for Pitman and the surrounding areas. Simultaneously, resources like the American Medical Association (AMA) or state medical licensing boards can be used to identify and count active PCPs within the ZIP code. Comparing these figures provides a baseline understanding of access. A low ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians is important. Are the PCPs clustered in one area, leaving other parts of the community underserved? Examining the geographic distribution of practices, potentially using mapping tools, reveals disparities in access. This includes considering the availability of transportation to these practices, especially for patients with asthma who may experience breathing difficulties during travel.

The Asthma Score also considers the practices’ specific capabilities. Do the PCPs have experience managing asthma? This can be evaluated by reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials, and online physician profiles. Do they offer spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool for asthma? Do they have a dedicated asthma management program? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care, including patient education and personalized treatment plans, would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption significantly impacts access, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Practices offering telehealth consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, enhance convenience and reduce the burden of travel. Telemedicine also facilitates remote monitoring, allowing physicians to track patients' symptoms and adjust treatment plans proactively. The availability of telehealth services would positively influence the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can be a source of stress and anxiety, and these psychological factors can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, the Asthma Score must consider the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through referrals. Does the practice have a psychiatrist or psychologist on staff, or does it have a robust referral network for mental health services? The integration of mental health care directly impacts the overall quality of asthma management and influences the score.

Another critical factor is insurance acceptance. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, ensure access for a broader population. Limited insurance acceptance can create barriers to care, particularly for low-income individuals, and would negatively affect the Asthma Score. The practice’s policy on uninsured patients is also relevant.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 17964 is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a comprehensive approach to asthma management. They may have dedicated asthma educators, offer patient support groups, and actively participate in community outreach programs. They might also employ innovative technologies, such as remote monitoring devices, to enhance patient care. Recognizing these practices helps highlight best practices and provides a benchmark for other providers.

Assessing the availability of after-hours care is essential. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and prompt access to medical attention is critical. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or on-call services improve patient outcomes and would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The availability of urgent care facilities or emergency rooms within a reasonable distance also plays a role.

The Asthma Score also considers the availability of specialized care. While PCPs are the primary point of contact, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of pulmonologists and the ease of referral from PCPs influence the overall quality of asthma care.

The patient experience is paramount. Reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction. Analyzing these reviews reveals patterns in communication, wait times, and overall care quality. Practices with consistently positive reviews, particularly those mentioning asthma management, would score higher.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 17964 and primary care availability in Pitman is a composite measure. It reflects the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of practices, their specific capabilities in asthma management, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, insurance acceptance, the presence of standout practices, after-hours care, access to specialized care, and the patient experience. A higher score indicates better access to quality asthma care. The score provides a valuable tool for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers striving to improve their services.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, assess accessibility, and gain further insights into the factors influencing the Asthma Score, consider using interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps, for example, can provide detailed visualizations and allow for a deeper understanding of healthcare access in Pitman.