18517, Taylor, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18517, Taylor, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.84 percent of the residents in 18517 has some form of health insurance. 47.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.95 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 18517 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 960 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18517. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,054 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,981 health care providers accessible to residents in 18517, Taylor, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 18517 & Taylor Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area like ZIP code 18517 (which falls within the broader Taylor, PA area) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess their capacity to manage asthma patients, and evaluate related resources. We'll consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services, all of which contribute to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall support system for asthma sufferers.

The foundation of asthma care relies on readily available primary care physicians (PCPs). In Taylor, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient during consultations, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Determining the exact ratio requires data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and potentially, local healthcare provider networks. This data should be meticulously analyzed to understand the current burden on existing PCPs. If the ratio is unfavorable, it signals a potential bottleneck for asthma patients seeking regular checkups, medication refills, and urgent care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" within 18517 and Taylor is crucial. These practices might excel in asthma management through various means. They could have specialized asthma clinics, employ certified asthma educators, or demonstrate a strong track record of patient outcomes. Researching patient reviews, analyzing practice websites, and contacting local healthcare organizations can reveal practices that prioritize asthma care. This includes understanding their protocols for asthma action plans, their responsiveness to patient needs, and their ability to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in modern healthcare, and its adoption within the Taylor area significantly impacts the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients. It can facilitate virtual check-ups, medication adjustments, and remote monitoring of symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local PCPs involves investigating their online platforms, understanding their telehealth capabilities, and evaluating their willingness to use telemedicine for asthma management. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient access and convenience, positively influencing the Asthma Score.

The complex nature of asthma often intertwines with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the challenges of managing asthma can contribute to mental health issues. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is essential. This involves evaluating whether local PCPs offer on-site mental health services, have partnerships with mental health professionals, or provide referrals to mental health specialists. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and actively address both aspects of patient well-being demonstrate a more holistic approach to care, thereby improving the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services impacts the Asthma Score. This includes access to pharmacies for medication refills, respiratory therapists for pulmonary function testing, and support groups for asthma patients. Analyzing the proximity of these resources to primary care practices and assessing their accessibility for patients with asthma is essential. Practices that collaborate with these ancillary services and facilitate easy access for their patients contribute to a more comprehensive and supportive healthcare environment.

Data collection and analysis are crucial for a comprehensive evaluation. Gathering information from various sources, including healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient surveys, is essential. This data should be organized and analyzed to create a detailed picture of the healthcare landscape in Taylor. The Asthma Score should be based on objective metrics, such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources.

The final Asthma Score should be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within 18517 and Taylor. A higher score indicates a more supportive and effective healthcare environment for asthma patients. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This will help in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that asthma patients receive the best possible care.

Understanding the specific practices, their adoption of technology, and their integration of mental health resources is critical. This detailed analysis, combined with a thorough understanding of the physician-to-patient ratio, allows for a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape. This information empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care and helps healthcare providers identify areas for improvement.

This analysis, while providing a detailed overview, is only a starting point. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and mental health services, consider exploring interactive mapping tools.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape in 18517 and Taylor? Explore the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.**