19544, Mount Aetna, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19544, Mount Aetna, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 19544 has some form of health insurance. 47.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.35 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 19544 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19544. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 37 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 785 health care providers accessible to residents in 19544, Mount Aetna, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19544 and Primary Care in Mount Aetna

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 19544, encompassing Mount Aetna, Pennsylvania, to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) with a specific focus on asthma management. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating factors impacting asthma sufferers within this community.

The cornerstone of this assessment is the availability of PCPs. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A low ratio, reflecting fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in asthma treatment. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing local healthcare data, including the number of licensed PCPs actively practicing within 19544 and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau, combined with physician directories and health insurance provider networks, can be used to calculate this ratio. A high ratio, conversely, suggests greater accessibility.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Evaluating the practices within 19544 requires examining their commitment to asthma management best practices. This includes assessing the availability of asthma action plans, the frequency of patient education on triggers and medication use, and the utilization of spirometry testing to assess lung function. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, track patient outcomes, and adhere to guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) would receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices involves delving deeper into their operational models. Are they accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient needs? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses specializing in respiratory care? Practices with these features demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive asthma care. Furthermore, the presence of on-site pharmacies or collaborations with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence would be considered positively.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly evolving aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly relevant for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring, especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that have integrated telemedicine platforms, allowing for virtual appointments and remote monitoring, would receive a higher score. This is especially true if the telemedicine platform integrates with patient portals, allowing for easy access to medical records and communication with the care team.

Mental health resources play a crucial, often overlooked, role in asthma management. Asthma can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, and these mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to local mental health professionals, is a critical factor. Practices that screen patients for mental health concerns and proactively connect them with appropriate resources would receive a higher score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups.

The "Asthma Score" would be a composite measure, weighing these factors. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, would be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. The practice would then be scored on each factor, and these scores would be combined to generate an overall score. This score would then be used to rank the practices within the 19544 ZIP code.

To further enhance the analysis, it is essential to consider the demographic characteristics of the patient population. The prevalence of asthma, the age distribution, and the socioeconomic status of the residents of Mount Aetna can influence healthcare needs. For instance, a high prevalence of asthma among children would necessitate practices with experience in pediatric asthma management. Likewise, practices that cater to patients with limited financial resources would receive a higher score if they offer affordable care options or participate in programs that help patients access medication and medical equipment.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. First, a comprehensive list of PCPs practicing within 19544 would be compiled. This would involve searching online directories, contacting insurance providers, and reviewing publicly available physician databases. Second, each practice would be researched to gather information on its services, staffing, and telemedicine capabilities. This could involve reviewing practice websites, conducting phone interviews, and consulting patient reviews. Third, data on mental health resources would be collected, including the availability of mental health professionals and support groups.

The final "Asthma Score" would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. The score should be updated regularly to account for changes in physician availability, practice innovations, and evolving best practices in asthma management. This ongoing monitoring is crucial to ensure that patients in Mount Aetna have access to the best possible asthma care.

This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing healthcare access and quality. It underscores the importance of considering not only the number of physicians but also the quality of care, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the availability of resources to address the holistic needs of patients.

For a visual representation of these findings, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the power of geographic data visualization. CartoChrome maps can transform complex data into actionable insights, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access within Mount Aetna and beyond.