18969, Telford, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 18969 has some form of health insurance. 29.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.15 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 18969 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18969. An estimate of 26 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,995 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,434 health care providers accessible to residents in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania.

The assessment of asthma care within the 18969 ZIP code, encompassing Telford, Pennsylvania, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must examine the quality of care offered by local physicians, focusing on asthma management, and assess the availability of primary care services, a crucial factor in accessible healthcare. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and scrutinize the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma score.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Telford, understanding the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists relative to the population is essential. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and ultimately, a less effective asthma management plan. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater access to care, which is particularly critical for a chronic condition like asthma. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from insurance providers, can provide a clearer picture of these ratios within the 18969 ZIP code.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care. This includes evaluating the adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Practices that consistently implement these guidelines, offering comprehensive asthma action plans, regular monitoring of lung function (spirometry), and patient education programs, would receive high marks. Furthermore, patient satisfaction surveys, publicly available online reviews, and data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits can help differentiate practices that excel in asthma care. Practices proactively managing asthma, focusing on preventative measures and patient empowerment, will naturally score higher.

Telemedicine adoption presents another critical aspect of asthma care. The ability to remotely monitor patients, conduct virtual consultations, and provide medication refills through telemedicine platforms can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient access to care, should be recognized. The effectiveness of telemedicine, however, hinges on factors like the availability of reliable internet access for patients and the integration of telemedicine platforms with electronic health records. Assessing the type of telemedicine offered, such as remote monitoring of peak flow meters or virtual asthma education classes, is also important.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources plays a significant role in asthma management. Asthma can be a source of anxiety and stress, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the 18969 ZIP code, particularly those integrated with primary care practices, is crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who understand the complexities of asthma and can address the psychological impact of the condition. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers will be viewed favorably. The availability of support groups and educational resources focused on managing the psychological aspects of asthma is also a positive factor.

The analysis also needs to consider the specific needs of the Telford community. Factors like the demographic makeup of the population, including the prevalence of asthma within different age groups and ethnic groups, can influence the design and delivery of asthma care. Furthermore, the presence of environmental triggers, such as air quality issues or allergens, within the local environment must be considered. The assessment should also take into account the availability of specialized asthma services, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, which can be critical for some patients.

Evaluating the accessibility of primary care is essential for a comprehensive asthma score. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The availability of primary care physicians, including the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, and the geographic distribution of practices within the 18969 ZIP code, all contribute to the overall accessibility of care. The presence of after-hours clinics or urgent care facilities that can address asthma-related emergencies is also a significant factor.

The overall asthma score for physicians in the 18969 ZIP code will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management, patient-centered care, and the integration of technology and mental health resources will receive higher scores. The final score should reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community.

In conclusion, the analysis of asthma care in Telford, Pennsylvania, requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By assessing these factors, we can gain a clearer understanding of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in the community. This information can be invaluable for patients seeking care, healthcare providers striving to improve their services, and policymakers seeking to enhance the overall health of the community.

For a dynamic, visual representation of the data discussed, allowing for interactive exploration of physician locations, service availability, and other relevant factors, consider leveraging the power of CartoChrome maps.