18823, Harford, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18823, Harford, Pennsylvania is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.72 percent of the residents in 18823 has some form of health insurance. 61.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.56 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 18823 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18823. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 155 health care providers accessible to residents in 18823, Harford, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Resources in ZIP Code 18823 and Harford County

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 18823 and Harford County requires a multi-faceted approach, examining physician availability, resource accessibility, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," will attempt to gauge the overall quality of care available to asthma patients in this specific geographic area. The score is not a single number but a composite assessment based on several key factors.

**Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of any asthma care system rests on the availability of qualified physicians. In ZIP Code 18823, a key consideration is the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists per capita. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would be crucial to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio. However, in the absence of that specific data, it’s essential to consider that rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention.

Harford County, as a whole, presents a more complex picture. While the county may have a higher overall concentration of physicians compared to the specific ZIP code, the distribution of these resources is critical. Are the PCPs and pulmonologists evenly distributed across the county? Are there underserved areas with limited access to specialists? Analyzing the geographical distribution of physicians is essential to understanding the true accessibility of care.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Asthma Care:**

Identifying practices that excel in asthma management is a vital component of the Asthma Score. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care, patient education, and proactive management strategies. These practices will often have dedicated asthma educators, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and implement asthma action plans tailored to each patient's needs. They may also participate in clinical trials or research related to asthma management, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Within Harford County, identifying these standout practices requires a deep dive into practice profiles. Reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and consulting with local advocacy groups can help pinpoint practices that prioritize asthma care. Furthermore, understanding the specific expertise of physicians within these practices, such as those with board certifications in allergy and immunology, is crucial.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Remote Monitoring:**

The integration of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access consultations, receive medication management advice, and participate in virtual asthma education programs without the need for frequent in-person visits. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in ZIP Code 18823 and Harford County is a key factor in the Asthma Score.

Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more convenient access to care, reduce travel time for patients, and improve adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities), and online patient portals is essential. This analysis should also consider the ease of use of these telemedicine platforms and the level of technical support provided to patients.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care.

The Asthma Score should assess the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, within the practices themselves or through referrals to external providers. The integration of mental health professionals into the asthma care team can help patients manage the psychological aspects of their condition. Assessing the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage and wait times, is also crucial.

**Specific Considerations for ZIP Code 18823:**

Given the potential for rural challenges, the Asthma Score for ZIP Code 18823 must account for specific factors. These might include:

* **Transportation limitations:** Are there readily available transportation options for patients to reach medical appointments?
* **Internet access:** Is reliable internet access available to support telemedicine adoption?
* **Community resources:** Are there local support groups or educational programs for asthma patients and their families?
* **Environmental factors:** What are the local air quality levels and potential asthma triggers?

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the quality of asthma care in ZIP Code 18823 and Harford County requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The Asthma Score framework provides a structure for this analysis, highlighting key factors that influence patient outcomes.

To further explore the geographical distribution of physicians, healthcare resources, and environmental factors impacting asthma care, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and facilitating informed decision-making.