19034, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19034, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.63 percent of the residents in 19034 has some form of health insurance. 24.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.32 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 19034 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,702 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19034. An estimate of 42 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,229 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 38,778 health care providers accessible to residents in 19034, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Fort Washington, PA (ZIP Code 19034)

Analyzing asthma care within Fort Washington, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19034) requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing physician availability, quality of care, and accessibility of support services. An “Asthma Score,” though not a formally recognized metric, can be constructed by evaluating key components impacting asthma management. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, focusing on the factors most relevant to residents of this community.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Fort Washington, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association can be analyzed to estimate this ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could present challenges in timely access to appointments, especially during asthma exacerbations. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare landscape. Further investigation should delve into the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, identifying potential underserved areas and assessing the concentration of practices.

Evaluating the quality of care necessitates examining the practices of individual healthcare providers. This involves researching factors like board certifications, experience in treating asthma, and adherence to national guidelines, such as those provided by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Identifying standout practices within the community is essential. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered approach, proactive asthma management plans, and strong patient education programs. Publicly available data, patient reviews (with careful consideration of bias), and reports from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can provide insights into practice performance.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in modern asthma care. Telehealth services can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited physician availability. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in Fort Washington is vital. This includes determining the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters) and the ease of access for patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the frequency of emergency room visits.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are frequently associated with asthma, and effective management requires addressing both physical and psychological well-being. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within Fort Washington is, therefore, crucial. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to therapists and psychiatrists, and the accessibility of support groups and educational programs. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma management plans are better positioned to provide comprehensive care.

Analyzing the availability of specialized asthma care is also important. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, patients with complex or severe asthma may require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. Identifying the presence of these specialists within or near Fort Washington is essential. The ability to access specialized care quickly can significantly impact patient outcomes. This includes evaluating the referral processes between PCPs and specialists, ensuring seamless transitions of care.

Beyond the direct care provided by physicians, assessing the availability of ancillary services is critical. This includes access to respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacies that carry a wide range of asthma medications and devices. The presence of these resources within the community can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and empower patients to manage their asthma effectively.

The affordability of asthma care is another crucial consideration. Analyzing the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices is essential. The cost of medications, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations can be a barrier to care for some patients. Understanding the availability of financial assistance programs and resources for patients with limited financial means is important.

Community outreach and education programs are essential components of effective asthma management. Assessing the presence of asthma education programs within Fort Washington, such as those offered by local hospitals or community health centers, is vital. These programs can empower patients to understand their condition, manage their symptoms, and make informed decisions about their care.

In conclusion, a comprehensive “Asthma Score” for Fort Washington (ZIP code 19034) would be derived from a detailed analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the accessibility of specialized care, the availability of ancillary services, the affordability of care, and the presence of community outreach programs. This analysis should identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, ultimately providing a roadmap for enhancing asthma care within the community.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fort Washington, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can display physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, enabling a more informed assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality.