18947, Pipersville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18947, Pipersville, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.22 percent of the residents in 18947 has some form of health insurance. 22.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.22 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 18947 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,002 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18947. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,263 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,023 health care providers accessible to residents in 18947, Pipersville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pipersville, PA (ZIP Code 18947)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Pipersville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18947) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess not just the presence of physicians, but also their specialization, the resources they offer, and the overall accessibility of primary care within the community. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, focusing on key factors impacting asthma management and patient well-being.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Pipersville, evaluating primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a larger number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from insurance providers and physician directories, can help establish an estimated physician-to-patient ratio within the 18947 ZIP code. This ratio will be a critical component of the Asthma Score.

Beyond simple numbers, we must consider the types of primary care providers available. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians to adequately serve the diverse needs of the population? The presence of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists, who specialize in respiratory conditions like asthma, is particularly important. Their availability directly impacts the ability of patients to receive specialized diagnostic testing, treatment plans, and ongoing management. The Asthma Score will give weight to the presence of these specialists within the area or within a reasonable commuting distance.

Identifying standout practices within Pipersville is crucial. This involves researching individual practices to determine their commitment to asthma care. Key indicators include: the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, the availability of patient education materials, the implementation of asthma action plans, and the integration of asthma management into routine checkups. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and offer extended hours or weekend appointments will receive higher scores. Reviewing patient testimonials and online ratings can also provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another significant factor in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, making it easier for patients to manage their condition and adhere to treatment plans. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication refills, will be considered highly favorable. The Asthma Score will reflect the level of telemedicine integration within the primary care landscape of Pipersville.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critically important for asthma patients. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices, where mental health professionals collaborate with primary care physicians, will be viewed favorably. Furthermore, the accessibility of support groups and educational programs focused on managing asthma and its psychological impact will also contribute to the overall score.

The Asthma Score will also consider the availability of ancillary services that support asthma management. This includes access to pharmacies that carry asthma medications, respiratory therapists who can provide education and support, and asthma educators who can help patients develop self-management skills. The proximity of hospitals and urgent care facilities that are equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is another important factor. The Asthma Score will incorporate these elements to provide a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to asthma patients in Pipersville.

Analyzing the data and assigning weights to each factor will allow us to generate an Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 18947 and primary care availability in Pipersville. This score will provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of asthma care in the community, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. It will also serve as a benchmark for future improvements.

The final Asthma Score will be a composite of the factors discussed. Each element, from physician-to-patient ratios and specialist availability to telemedicine adoption and mental health resources, will be assigned a weighted value based on its importance to asthma management. The higher the score, the better the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area.

This comprehensive analysis is designed to provide a clear picture of the asthma care landscape in Pipersville. The Asthma Score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will help patients make informed decisions about their care, guide healthcare providers in improving their services, and inform policymakers about areas that need attention.

To visualize the distribution of physicians, primary care facilities, and other healthcare resources within Pipersville and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. They offer an interactive and informative way to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.