19074, Norwood, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19074, Norwood, Pennsylvania is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.41 percent of the residents in 19074 has some form of health insurance. 32.53 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 19074 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,317 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 407 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19074. An estimate of 83 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 674 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 91,999 health care providers accessible to residents in 19074, Norwood, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Norwood, PA (ZIP Code 19074)

Norwood, Pennsylvania, a Delaware County borough, presents a specific set of challenges and opportunities when considering the management of asthma. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, their approaches to asthma management, and the broader healthcare landscape within the 19074 ZIP code. We will evaluate the current state of resources, including telemedicine and mental health support, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" perspective.

One of the critical factors influencing asthma management is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios provides an initial understanding of the potential burden on existing healthcare providers. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, can be used to estimate the number of PCPs practicing within the 19074 ZIP code and compare this to the population size. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased difficulty in establishing consistent care, which is vital for effective asthma control.

The quality of care provided by PCPs in Norwood is another essential consideration. This involves assessing their expertise in asthma diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. While a formal "Asthma Score" would require detailed data collection, we can infer certain aspects based on available information. For example, the presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within a practice or network serving the area would be a positive indicator. Their specialized knowledge can contribute to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Furthermore, the implementation of evidence-based asthma guidelines, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is crucial.

Beyond the individual physician, the practices themselves play a significant role. Standout practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. This includes offering extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day sick visits to accommodate patients' needs. The availability of on-site diagnostic testing, such as spirometry to assess lung function, streamlines the diagnostic process and allows for quicker treatment adjustments. Effective communication strategies, including clear explanations of treatment plans, medication instructions, and readily available contact information, are also hallmarks of a well-regarded practice.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited physician availability. Practices that utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education can potentially improve patient outcomes. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including reliable internet access for patients, the availability of user-friendly technology, and the physician's comfort level with virtual consultations.

Mental health is often intertwined with chronic illnesses like asthma. The psychological impact of asthma, including anxiety, depression, and stress, can significantly affect symptom control and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists, who can provide counseling and support. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or strong referral pathways to external mental health providers, is beneficial.

Evaluating the availability of asthma-specific resources, such as asthma educators or support groups, is also essential. Asthma educators can provide valuable education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques. Support groups offer a platform for patients to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. The presence of these resources indicates a commitment to holistic patient care and can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Norwood, PA (19074) would be a composite measure based on the factors discussed. It would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the expertise of physicians, the quality of practice infrastructure, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of asthma-specific support services. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma management, while a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

To further enhance this analysis and provide a more detailed picture, a more granular approach would be required. This would involve collecting data from various sources, including physician directories, insurance provider networks, patient surveys, and public health data. Additionally, a qualitative component, such as interviews with physicians, patients, and community stakeholders, could provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with asthma in Norwood.

In conclusion, while this analysis provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape in Norwood, PA (19074) concerning asthma management, a detailed and specific "Asthma Score" requires comprehensive data collection and analysis. Understanding the current state of resources and identifying areas for improvement is crucial to ensuring that individuals with asthma receive the best possible care.

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