18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.53 percent of the residents in 18617 has some form of health insurance. 45.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.55 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 18617 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18617. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 229 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,926 health care providers accessible to residents in 18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Glen Lyon, PA (ZIP Code 18617)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18617) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the landscape of primary care physicians, evaluate their capacity to manage asthma, and explore the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment for the area.

Glen Lyon, a small community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The primary determinant of asthma care quality is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially, a diminished quality of care. A high ratio suggests a more accessible system. We need to ascertain the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within 18617 and the surrounding areas that residents commonly access. This involves identifying the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated patient population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be used to gather this information.

Beyond raw numbers, we must consider the training and experience of these PCPs. Are they board-certified? Do they have specific training in pulmonology or allergy management? This information is critical for assessing their capacity to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage asthma. Access to this information requires researching individual physician profiles, potentially through online databases or physician directories.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Some practices may demonstrate exceptional asthma management, evidenced by lower hospitalization rates, improved patient outcomes, and a strong emphasis on patient education. These practices often implement evidence-based guidelines, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and proactively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens. We need to identify such practices within or near 18617. This necessitates investigating patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially contacting local healthcare advocacy groups.

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Glen Lyon is a key factor in our Asthma Score analysis. We need to determine which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services provided (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. This information can be gathered through practice websites, phone calls, and potentially, patient surveys.

Mental health is intrinsically linked to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of our Asthma Score. We need to assess the proximity and accessibility of mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Glen Lyon area. Does the local primary care network have integrated mental health services? Are there partnerships with mental health providers? Are mental health resources covered by the same insurance plans as asthma care? The answers to these questions will influence the final score.

The Asthma Score should also reflect the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is crucial for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. Determining the proximity of these specialists to Glen Lyon, the ease of referral processes, and the wait times for appointments is essential.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score must account for patient education and support. Does the local healthcare system provide educational materials, asthma action plans, and support groups for patients and their families? Patient education empowers individuals to manage their condition effectively, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life.

Analyzing the availability of pharmacies and the accessibility of asthma medications is also essential. Are there local pharmacies within easy reach of residents? Do these pharmacies carry a full range of asthma medications, including both brand-name and generic options? The cost of medications and the availability of financial assistance programs are also important considerations.

The overall Asthma Score will be a composite metric reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. The weights assigned to each factor will reflect their relative importance in asthma management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists might be given higher weights than the availability of support groups.

The assessment of the Asthma Score for Glen Lyon, PA (18617) requires a thorough investigation of the healthcare landscape. The evaluation will encompass the availability of PCPs, their expertise, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the access to specialists. The analysis will also consider patient education, medication access, and the existence of standout practices. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the asthma care environment in Glen Lyon.

For a deeper dive into visualizing the healthcare landscape of Glen Lyon, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you see the data in a visually compelling and interactive way, allowing you to gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.