19015, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19015, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.05 percent of the residents in 19015 has some form of health insurance. 35.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.29 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 19015 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19015. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,455 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 23,973 health care providers accessible to residents in 19015, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Brookhaven, PA (ZIP Code 19015)

This analysis provides an assessment of asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within Brookhaven, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19015). The evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in an "Asthma Score" ranking. This score, while not a definitive measure, offers a comparative perspective on the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma.

The foundation of a strong Asthma Score lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Brookhaven, like many suburban communities, experiences fluctuations in physician-to-patient ratios. A healthy ratio, generally considered to be around 1:1500, is crucial. This ratio dictates the ability of patients to secure timely appointments, receive comprehensive preventative care, and establish strong, trusting relationships with their PCPs. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to appointment delays, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of hospitalizations. Data on PCP availability in 19015, including the number of practicing physicians and the estimated population, is essential to calculating this ratio. Publicly available resources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, provide the data needed to calculate a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices significantly influence the Asthma Score. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma management, such as those offering specialized asthma education programs or employing certified asthma educators, receive higher scores. The presence of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, which are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, also boosts the score. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient asthma control, medication adherence, and emergency room visits are favorably assessed. These technological integrations facilitate proactive care and improve outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The rise of telemedicine has transformed healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Practices offering virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management enhance accessibility and convenience. Telemedicine reduces the need for in-person visits, potentially minimizing exposure to triggers and improving patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have seamlessly integrated telemedicine into their asthma care protocols, offering virtual options for both new and established patients, receive a higher score. The ease of scheduling and the quality of the virtual experience are also considered.

Mental health resources are an increasingly important component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with local mental health providers, are given a higher score. The availability of mental health support helps address the psychological impact of asthma, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall quality of life. Practices that screen for mental health concerns and offer integrated care are particularly valued.

Identifying standout practices within 19015 is crucial. Practices that consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care, as evidenced by patient reviews, awards, and participation in quality improvement initiatives, are recognized. These practices often prioritize patient education, proactive symptom management, and a collaborative approach to care. They may offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or other accommodations to enhance patient convenience. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, educating the public about asthma management and prevention, are considered exemplary.

The Asthma Score is not solely dependent on the quality of primary care. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also a significant factor. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, specialists are often needed for complex cases or when a patient's asthma is not well-controlled. The proximity of specialists, the ease of referral, and the communication between primary care physicians and specialists all contribute to the overall score. The presence of local hospitals with dedicated asthma care units or emergency departments equipped to handle asthma exacerbations also enhances the score.

The final Asthma Score for Brookhaven (19015) is a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. It is important to note that the score is dynamic and can change over time as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. The score is intended to provide a comparative assessment, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in the local asthma care landscape. A high score indicates a favorable environment for asthma management, with readily accessible primary care, specialized services, telemedicine options, and integrated mental health support. A lower score suggests potential challenges, such as limited physician availability, a lack of specialized services, or a scarcity of telemedicine and mental health resources.

This analysis, however, is just the beginning. To truly understand the healthcare landscape of Brookhaven, further investigation is necessary. Detailed information on individual practices, including their specific services, patient reviews, and quality metrics, is crucial. This deeper dive allows for a more nuanced understanding of the local healthcare environment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Brookhaven, and to explore the distribution of physicians, specialists, and other healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations, allowing you to explore the data in a user-friendly and informative manner. They provide a powerful tool for understanding the accessibility of care and making informed decisions about your healthcare needs.