Health Scores Near 19403, Norristown, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19403, Norristown, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.50 percent of the residents in 19403 has some form of health insurance. 28.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.63 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 19403 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 7,901 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 13 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19403. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,835 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 16,192 health care providers accessible to residents in 19403, Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 19403, Norristown, Pennsylvania
| Asthma Score | 80 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 41 |
| Provider Score | 97 |
| Hospital Score | 25 |
| Travel Score | 76 |
| 19403 | Norristown | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, disproportionately affects communities, making access to quality healthcare a critical factor in managing the condition. This analysis focuses on evaluating asthma care within ZIP code 19403 (Norristown, Pennsylvania) and the availability of primary care resources, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients.
The core of this assessment revolves around the concept of an "Asthma Score," a composite metric reflecting various factors influencing asthma management. This score, while not a formally standardized measure, will be used to evaluate the quality of care provided by physicians in the area and the overall accessibility of resources.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Accessibility**
A fundamental element of the Asthma Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Norristown (19403), the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of asthma patients to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Areas with a higher concentration of primary care physicians tend to have better access to care, leading to improved patient outcomes. Conversely, physician shortages can lead to delayed appointments, increased wait times, and a potential for exacerbations. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau are examined to estimate the physician-to-population ratio within 19403. This involves analyzing the number of primary care physicians (including internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatricians) practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population size.
The analysis extends beyond mere numbers. It considers the distribution of primary care practices across the area. Are practices clustered in specific neighborhoods, leaving others underserved? Are there practices that accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees, ensuring accessibility for low-income patients who may be at higher risk of asthma complications? The Asthma Score weighs these factors, acknowledging the importance of equitable access.
**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**
Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating factors like the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of specialized asthma care. Practices that consistently demonstrate a commitment to these elements would receive a higher score.
Researching the use of standardized asthma action plans is critical. These plans, developed in collaboration with the patient and physician, outline specific steps to be taken in response to varying asthma symptoms. Practices that consistently provide and review these plans with patients are likely to have better patient outcomes. Furthermore, the availability of in-office pulmonary function testing (spirometry) can facilitate timely diagnosis and monitoring of asthma severity.
The analysis investigates the presence of asthma-specific programs, such as asthma education classes or support groups. These programs empower patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively. Practices that offer these services contribute to a higher Asthma Score. Finally, reviews from patients are considered. Patient feedback provides valuable insights into the patient experience, including factors like appointment scheduling, communication with the physician, and overall satisfaction with care.
**Telemedicine Adoption**
The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas.
The analysis assesses the extent to which physicians in 19403 utilize telemedicine for asthma management. This includes evaluating whether physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online patient portals for communication and prescription refills. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies can potentially improve patient convenience, reduce the need for in-person visits, and enhance the continuity of care. The Asthma Score reflects the level of telemedicine integration, recognizing its potential to improve access and patient outcomes.
**Mental Health Resources**
The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma patients are at an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care.
The analysis examines the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices in 19403. Are there on-site mental health professionals, or do physicians have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care model receive a higher score. This integration can improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological aspects of the disease and promoting overall well-being. The Asthma Score considers the presence and accessibility of mental health resources, recognizing their impact on the holistic care of asthma patients.
**Asthma Score Summary and Overall Assessment**
Based on the evaluation of these factors, an Asthma Score is assigned to the physicians and practices within 19403. This score reflects the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for asthma patients, characterized by a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality care, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.
The final assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in Norristown. It highlights strengths, identifies areas for improvement, and provides actionable insights for patients seeking asthma care.
**Conclusion and Call to Action**
Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for patients. To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Norristown, and to see the distribution of physician practices, primary care availability, and other relevant factors, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can help you make informed decisions about your asthma care, allowing you to identify practices that align with your individual needs.
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