17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.27 percent of the residents in 17976 has some form of health insurance. 50.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.10 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 17976 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,686 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17976. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,613 health care providers accessible to residents in 17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17976 and Primary Care in Shenandoah**

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, especially concerning asthma management, within ZIP code 17976 (Shenandoah, PA) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive asthma care. The goal is to provide a nuanced “Asthma Score” assessment, reflecting the overall healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in securing timely asthma management, including diagnosis, treatment adjustments, and emergency care. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access, allowing for more proactive and preventative care. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio in 17976 is vital. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from local healthcare providers, can provide a more accurate picture.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care provided. This requires going beyond simple physician-to-patient ratios. Factors to consider include the practice’s commitment to asthma-specific protocols, such as adherence to National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines. Does the practice offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Do they have dedicated staff trained in asthma education, such as certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists? Are there readily available nebulizers or peak flow meters? Reviews from patients, both online and through local community surveys, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication effectiveness, and the overall patient experience. Furthermore, the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to integrate data for improved patient management are important.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, thereby improving access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing telemedicine adoption in 17976 means determining which primary care practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. This includes evaluating the availability of necessary technology, such as reliable internet access, and the practice’s ability to navigate insurance coverage for telehealth services. The presence of telemedicine can significantly improve the "Asthma Score" by increasing access to care.

The integration of mental health resources is also essential. Asthma is frequently linked to anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, or the availability of readily accessible referrals to mental health services, is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes assessing whether primary care physicians screen patients for mental health issues, and whether they have established protocols for referring patients to mental health specialists. The availability of mental health resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and contribute to a higher "Asthma Score."

To develop an "Asthma Score" for 17976, data from all these areas must be collected and analyzed. A scoring system could be devised, assigning points based on factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of certified asthma educators, telemedicine availability, and the integration of mental health services. Each practice could then be assigned a score, providing a comparative assessment of their asthma-related care. The overall "Asthma Score" for the ZIP code would then reflect the average or aggregate score of the primary care practices within the area.

For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a dedicated asthma educator, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score than a practice lacking these resources. The final "Asthma Score" would provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape for asthma management in 17976, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This assessment would inform residents about the quality of care available and identify areas for improvement within the local healthcare system.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. The "Asthma Score" is a snapshot in time and may not reflect changes in healthcare practices. The availability of data and the willingness of healthcare providers to share information can impact the accuracy of the assessment. Patient satisfaction surveys, while valuable, may be subject to bias. However, a well-constructed analysis, based on a combination of publicly available data, practice assessments, and patient feedback, can provide a useful tool for understanding the quality of asthma care within a specific geographic area.

In conclusion, assessing the "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP code 17976 requires a detailed investigation into physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. By analyzing these factors, a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma management in Shenandoah can be created.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Shenandoah, and to identify specific practices and resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful visual representation of geographic data, allowing you to explore the location of healthcare providers, analyze population demographics, and understand access to care in a dynamic and interactive way. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.