19086, Wallingford, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19086, Wallingford, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.80 percent of the residents in 19086 has some form of health insurance. 20.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.78 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 19086 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,166 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 490 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19086. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,877 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 86,044 health care providers accessible to residents in 19086, Wallingford, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Wallingford, PA (ZIP Code 19086)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within Wallingford, PA (ZIP code 19086) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and support systems, culminating in an "Asthma Score" assessment. The score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation of the resources available to manage and treat asthma effectively within this specific geographic area.

**Physician Access and Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of any asthma care system is access to qualified physicians. In Wallingford, the primary care landscape is crucial. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is the first step. This involves identifying the total number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 19086 ZIP code, including those accepting new patients. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, local hospital systems (like Crozer-Keystone Health System), and insurance provider directories are essential for this. The total population of Wallingford, derived from U.S. Census data, is then divided by the number of available PCPs to estimate the patient-to-physician ratio. A higher ratio can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, which is critical for asthma management.

Specialty care, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is also essential. Assessing the availability of these specialists within a reasonable commuting distance is vital. While the 19086 ZIP code may not have these specialists directly, access to specialists in nearby towns such as Media or Philadelphia needs to be considered. Factors such as travel time, insurance coverage, and the ability to obtain referrals from primary care physicians significantly influence the accessibility of specialist care.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating various factors. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma care often exhibit specific characteristics. These include:

* **Asthma-Specific Protocols:** Practices with established protocols for asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management, adhering to current guidelines from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), are highly valued.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Comprehensive patient education is crucial for asthma management. Practices offering educational programs on inhaler techniques, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans are considered strong.
* **Dedicated Asthma Educators:** The presence of certified asthma educators (AE-C) within the practice is a significant advantage. These professionals provide specialized knowledge and support for patients and their families.
* **Regular Monitoring and Follow-up:** Practices that prioritize regular follow-up appointments, peak flow monitoring, and medication adjustments based on patient response demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management.
* **Collaboration with Specialists:** Strong practices often have established referral pathways and collaborative relationships with pulmonologists and allergists.

Evaluating these aspects involves reviewing practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially conducting interviews with practice staff.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers significant advantages in asthma care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Assessing the telemedicine adoption rate among primary care practices in Wallingford is crucial. This involves determining:

* **Availability of Virtual Appointments:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for established patients?
* **Remote Monitoring Capabilities:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities?
* **Integration with Electronic Health Records (EHRs):** Are telemedicine platforms integrated with the practice's EHR system for seamless data sharing and documentation?

Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. It can also facilitate more frequent monitoring and medication adjustments, leading to better asthma control.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Role:**

Asthma can significantly impact mental health. Chronic illness, frequent exacerbations, and the limitations imposed by asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the Asthma Score. This involves assessing:

* **On-site Mental Health Services:** Do any primary care practices offer on-site mental health services, such as therapists or counselors?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks with mental health professionals specializing in chronic illness or respiratory conditions?
* **Integration of Mental Health Screening:** Do practices routinely screen patients for mental health concerns, particularly those with uncontrolled asthma?
* **Educational Materials:** Do practices provide educational materials on the link between asthma and mental health, as well as resources for seeking help?

Addressing the mental health needs of asthma patients is essential for holistic care and can significantly improve their quality of life and asthma control.

**Overall Asthma Score and Conclusion:**

The "Asthma Score" for Wallingford, PA (19086) is not a single number but a synthesis of the above factors. A high score indicates excellent access to care, comprehensive asthma management protocols, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score suggests areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, enhancing patient education programs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and strengthening mental health support.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within the 19086 ZIP code. Further investigation, including data collection from local healthcare providers and patient feedback, is necessary to refine the assessment and develop targeted interventions to improve asthma care in Wallingford.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Wallingford, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialists, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps.