18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.69 percent of the residents in 18244 has some form of health insurance. 48.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.25 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 18244 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 80 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18244. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,216 health care providers accessible to residents in 18244, Parryville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Parryville, PA (ZIP Code 18244)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Parryville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18244) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll evaluate physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, ultimately assigning an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is physician access. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Unfortunately, obtaining precise, real-time data on this is complex. Publicly available sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provide some insights, but they often reflect broader county-level data rather than the granular detail of a single ZIP code. We must rely on estimated ratios derived from available datasets and national averages, factoring in the population of Parryville (approximately 5000 residents) and the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the immediate vicinity. A PCP is the first point of contact for asthma management.

Based on available data, the physician-to-patient ratio in the area likely hovers around the national average, perhaps slightly lower. This means that, while not critically underserved, the availability of PCPs might be a limiting factor. This underscores the importance of efficient appointment scheduling, minimal wait times, and the utilization of alternative care models. The presence of specialists, specifically pulmonologists, is also critical. Their availability is generally more limited than PCPs, and their proximity to Parryville is a significant factor. The lack of a pulmonologist within a reasonable driving distance would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Evaluating specific practices requires a deeper dive. Identifying standout practices involves analyzing their patient reviews, online presence, and the services they offer. Practices that prioritize asthma management, offering comprehensive care plans, patient education, and readily available resources, will score higher. Factors to consider include the availability of asthma educators, the use of standardized asthma action plans, and the practice's commitment to patient communication. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate seamless information sharing between providers are also essential.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial component of modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, improving access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and online patient portals will receive a higher score. The ability to manage asthma effectively often relies on frequent monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans. Telemedicine can facilitate these adjustments, improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for emergency room visits.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but they are critical. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, offer access to mental health professionals, or collaborate with mental health providers will score higher. The ability to address the psychological aspects of asthma is essential for holistic patient care and improved asthma control.

The Asthma Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score indicates readily accessible, high-quality asthma care, while a low score suggests potential challenges in accessing and managing asthma effectively.

For Parryville, the Asthma Score would likely be moderate. The area benefits from being within a reasonable distance of larger medical centers. However, the potential limitations in PCP availability, the need for improved telemedicine adoption, and the importance of integrating mental health resources could lower the score.

Specific practices in the area should be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. This includes assessing their online presence, reviewing patient testimonials, and contacting the practices directly to inquire about their asthma management protocols. The availability of asthma educators, the use of standardized asthma action plans, and the practice's commitment to patient communication are all essential factors.

The implementation of telemedicine could significantly improve the Asthma Score. Practices that embrace virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes. This is particularly important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

The integration of mental health resources is another area for improvement. Practices that offer mental health screenings, provide access to mental health professionals, or collaborate with mental health providers can improve the overall care provided to patients with asthma.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in Parryville requires a detailed analysis of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The Asthma Score provides a valuable framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of this data, including the location of practices, physician availability, and other relevant information, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform can provide a detailed geographical analysis of healthcare resources in the area, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of asthma care accessibility.