19017, Chester Heights, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19017, Chester Heights, Pennsylvania is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.34 percent of the residents in 19017 has some form of health insurance. 27.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.67 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 19017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 43 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19017. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 51 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 23,005 health care providers accessible to residents in 19017, Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 19017 and Primary Care in Chester Heights

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 19017 (Chester Heights, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will explore the landscape of primary care providers, their capacity to manage asthma patients, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. The aim is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of care available to residents.

The foundation of asthma management often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). Their ability to diagnose, treat, and monitor asthma is critical. In Chester Heights, assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 19017 ZIP code is the first step. This requires identifying the number of board-certified family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric physicians. A low number of PCPs would indicate a potential access barrier for residents, especially those with limited transportation options or mobility challenges.

Once the raw number of PCPs is established, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a crucial metric. This ratio provides a general sense of the workload each physician carries. A high ratio, indicating a larger patient population per physician, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially less comprehensive care. The specific ratio for 19017 needs to be compared to national and regional averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the practices themselves need scrutiny. Are the practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped with the necessary tools and resources for asthma management? This includes spirometry testing, access to asthma action plans, and the ability to prescribe and educate patients on the proper use of inhalers and other medications. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments is essential for managing asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption within the 19017 area is a significant factor in the "Asthma Score." Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of patients' conditions. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the integration with existing patient portals are also important considerations.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a critical component of a comprehensive "Asthma Score." Practices that actively screen for mental health concerns and offer or facilitate access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric services demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Identifying standout practices within 19017 is essential. This requires analyzing patient reviews, assessing the quality of care provided, and evaluating the practice's commitment to patient education and support. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related community outreach programs or offer specialized asthma clinics would likely receive higher marks. Furthermore, the practice’s commitment to electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers contributes to a more coordinated and efficient care experience.

The "Asthma Score" should also consider the demographics of the population served. Are there specific populations within 19017, such as children or the elderly, who may have higher rates of asthma or face unique challenges in accessing care? Addressing these disparities requires tailoring care delivery models to meet the specific needs of these vulnerable populations. This might involve offering extended appointment hours, providing language services, or collaborating with community organizations to provide asthma education and support.

The overall accessibility of specialist care is another factor. While PCPs are the first line of defense, asthma management may require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity of these specialists to 19017, the ease of referral from PCPs, and the wait times for appointments all contribute to the overall "Asthma Score." A robust referral network and a collaborative approach between PCPs and specialists are essential for optimal asthma management.

In conclusion, assessing the "Asthma Score" for doctors in 19017 and primary care availability in Chester Heights is a complex undertaking. It requires a thorough evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the availability of specialist care. By analyzing these factors, a comprehensive assessment can be generated, providing valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of asthma care for residents.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 19017, including practice locations, specialist availability, and demographic data, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual understanding of healthcare access and resources within your community.