17985, Zion Grove, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17985, Zion Grove, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.60 percent of the residents in 17985 has some form of health insurance. 33.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.98 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 17985 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 287 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17985. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 310 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,424 health care providers accessible to residents in 17985, Zion Grove, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Zion Grove, PA (ZIP Code 17985)

Analyzing asthma care accessibility and quality within ZIP code 17985 (Zion Grove, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis examines physician availability, healthcare practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score isn't a single number but a composite understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for asthma patients.

The cornerstone of accessible asthma care is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Zion Grove, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs relative to the population, presents a significant challenge. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for asthma. Furthermore, it can hinder the ability of patients to establish consistent relationships with their primary care providers, which is critical for effective asthma management. The analysis would involve researching the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. Public health data and resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be invaluable in this endeavor.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate the needs of working individuals or those with unpredictable asthma symptoms? Do they have specialized staff trained in asthma management, such as certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists? The presence of these specialists can significantly improve patient outcomes by providing tailored education and support. The analysis would involve researching the services offered by local practices, potentially through online reviews, practice websites, and direct contact with the practices themselves.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Zion Grove. Its adoption rate within the local primary care practices is a key factor in the Asthma Score. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, or symptom management? Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for asthma patients, allowing them to connect with their physicians remotely and receive timely care, reducing the need for in-person visits and potentially minimizing exposure to triggers. The analysis would investigate the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, focusing on the types of services offered and the technology used.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and uncontrolled asthma can exacerbate these conditions. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Does the practice have a psychiatrist or psychologist on staff, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals in the community? Access to mental health support can help patients manage the psychological impact of asthma and improve their overall well-being. The analysis would explore the availability of mental health services within the local practices and the referral networks they utilize.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction, adherence to asthma guidelines, and the use of evidence-based treatment protocols. This analysis would involve researching patient reviews, looking at the practice's accreditation status, and investigating their participation in quality improvement programs. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care would be recognized as high-scoring practices.

The overall Asthma Score for Zion Grove, Pennsylvania, would be a composite of these factors. A higher score would indicate greater accessibility to primary care, practices with specialized asthma care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and strong integration of mental health resources. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health support. The score is not intended to be a definitive judgment, but rather a tool to understand the current state of asthma care and identify opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and housing conditions can all significantly impact asthma control. The analysis would consider these factors and how they may affect the accessibility and quality of asthma care in Zion Grove.

The specific data points collected and analyzed for each of these categories would then be weighted and combined to produce the overall Asthma Score. The weighting would be based on the relative importance of each factor in contributing to good asthma management.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of asthma care in Zion Grove, Pennsylvania. It is designed to be a living document, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, we can work towards improving asthma care and improving the lives of those affected by this chronic condition.

To further visualize and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and access to specialized services, explore the dynamic mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Zion Grove and beyond.