18624, Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18624, Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18624 has some form of health insurance. 50.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.05 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 18624 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 33 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18624. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 144 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 834 health care providers accessible to residents in 18624, Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lake Harmony, PA (ZIP Code 18624)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 18624, encompassing Lake Harmony, PA, requires a multifaceted approach. We will evaluate the physician landscape, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure for individuals managing asthma.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A high ratio, indicating a larger number of patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual attention. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within a specific ZIP code requires access to detailed, up-to-date data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association (AMA), and insurance provider networks. However, even without precise figures, we can infer potential challenges. Lake Harmony, a primarily residential area, may have a lower concentration of primary care physicians compared to more densely populated urban centers. This suggests that residents may need to travel outside the immediate ZIP code to access primary care, potentially impacting the timely management of asthma.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care, potentially offering specialized services and innovative approaches. This requires investigation into the practices’ reputations, patient reviews, and the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists. Practices that actively participate in asthma management programs, offer comprehensive patient education, and utilize evidence-based treatment protocols would likely receive higher marks in this evaluation. Furthermore, the availability of on-site spirometry testing and access to asthma action plans are important considerations. These features contribute to a more proactive and personalized approach to asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the ‘Asthma Score’ analysis. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals living in rural or underserved areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to score higher. The convenience and accessibility afforded by telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations, enabling them to receive timely medical attention without the need for travel.

The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is increasingly recognized as essential. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This integration can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations, and enhance overall patient outcomes. The presence of these resources is a critical component of a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment.

Assessing the specific practices within ZIP code 18624, we must consider the presence of any dedicated asthma clinics or specialized respiratory care centers. These facilities often provide a higher level of expertise and resources for managing asthma. The availability of asthma educators, who can provide individualized patient education and support, is another important factor. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to asthma care demonstrate a commitment to innovation and improvement.

The geographical characteristics of Lake Harmony, a recreational and residential area, may also influence access to care. Residents might need to travel to larger towns or cities to access specialized asthma care. This underscores the importance of evaluating transportation options and the availability of public transportation to healthcare facilities. The presence of urgent care centers or emergency rooms within the ZIP code or in nearby areas is also important, as these facilities provide immediate care for asthma exacerbations.

The ‘Asthma Score’ for Lake Harmony, PA (ZIP code 18624) is ultimately a composite score, reflecting the interplay of all these factors. It will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare environment with good access to quality asthma care, while a lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care.

The assessment process would involve detailed research, including contacting local practices, reviewing patient feedback, and consulting with healthcare professionals. The goal is to provide a realistic evaluation of the asthma care landscape in the area. The analysis should also consider the role of insurance coverage and the affordability of healthcare services, as these factors can significantly impact access to care.

The analysis would also need to consider the specific needs of the population, including age demographics and any known prevalence of asthma within the community. Tailoring the assessment to the specific needs of the population ensures that the ‘Asthma Score’ accurately reflects the quality and accessibility of asthma care. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identifies areas for improvement.

Finally, the ‘Asthma Score’ should be a dynamic assessment, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that the information remains relevant and useful for individuals seeking asthma care. The assessment should be transparent, providing clear criteria and methodology.

For a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lake Harmony and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize healthcare data, providing valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of care.

**Click here to explore the healthcare landscape of Lake Harmony and beyond with CartoChrome maps!**