18051, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18051, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.68 percent of the residents in 18051 has some form of health insurance. 22.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.23 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 18051 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 644 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 20 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18051. An estimate of 60 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 517 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 24,350 health care providers accessible to residents in 18051, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Fogelsville, PA (ZIP Code 18051)

Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 18051 ZIP code, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Evaluating the availability and quality of asthma care necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, offering insights for residents seeking optimal care.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Fogelsville, determining this accurately requires data beyond simple population numbers. Factors like the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and allergists within the 18051 ZIP code, as well as those in neighboring areas readily accessible to residents, are crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from insurance provider networks, allows for an initial estimate. However, this data alone is insufficient. It needs to be supplemented by information on the specialization of these physicians, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and their patient load capacity. A high physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists like pulmonologists and allergists, can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely and specialized care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by local practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into their operational characteristics. This involves analyzing patient reviews, which, while subjective, offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. Furthermore, examining the practices' accreditations, certifications, and participation in quality improvement programs provides a more objective measure of their commitment to excellence. Practices that actively participate in initiatives focused on asthma management, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are likely to offer more comprehensive and evidence-based care. The presence of dedicated asthma educators, respiratory therapists, and other support staff also significantly contributes to a practice's ability to effectively manage asthma.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical factor in modern healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased accessibility, reduced travel time, and improved patient monitoring. In the context of Fogelsville, assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining whether local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function (e.g., through peak flow meters), and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes by providing more frequent and convenient check-ins, particularly for patients with poorly controlled asthma. This is especially important for patients who may face transportation challenges or have difficulty taking time off work.

The integration of mental health resources is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma care, yet it is crucial for comprehensive management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health support within or in close proximity to primary care practices is a key indicator of the quality of care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, as well as the availability of educational materials and support groups. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health, and proactively address these issues, are better equipped to support their patients' overall well-being.

The 'Asthma Score' for Fogelsville (18051) is ultimately a composite metric. It is derived from evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score indicates a favorable environment for asthma care, characterized by readily accessible specialists, high-quality practices, convenient telemedicine options, and integrated mental health support. A low score, on the other hand, suggests potential challenges in accessing and receiving optimal care, highlighting areas for improvement.

Based on a preliminary assessment (without direct access to real-time data), Fogelsville likely faces some challenges. The rural or suburban nature of the area, while offering certain lifestyle benefits, might translate into a less dense concentration of specialists. The adoption of telemedicine might be variable, depending on the individual practices. The integration of mental health resources, while improving across the board, could still be an area for growth.

To obtain a more accurate and detailed 'Asthma Score' for Fogelsville, a comprehensive data collection and analysis are required. This would involve gathering information from various sources, including physician directories, insurance provider networks, patient reviews, and practice websites. This data would then be analyzed to assess the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The results would be used to assign a score and identify areas for improvement.

For residents and healthcare providers in Fogelsville, understanding the local healthcare landscape is crucial for making informed decisions. Accessing detailed, up-to-date information about healthcare resources can be challenging. That is why we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization.

**Click here to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health.**