19560, Temple, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19560, Temple, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.16 percent of the residents in 19560 has some form of health insurance. 36.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.07 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 19560 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,938 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19560. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,776 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,251 health care providers accessible to residents in 19560, Temple, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19560 and Primary Care in Temple, PA

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP code 19560 (Temple, Pennsylvania) and examines the availability of primary care resources, crucial for managing this chronic respiratory condition. We will assess the quality of care through an "Asthma Score" lens, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, recognizing the significant interplay between asthma and psychological well-being.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 19560 presents a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of available physicians, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and ultimately, poorer asthma control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a potentially more accessible healthcare environment. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local hospital systems, such as Reading Hospital, are essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio in this area. This data should be segmented to specify primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists, as these specialists are directly involved in asthma diagnosis and treatment. This granular approach allows for a more accurate assessment of the accessibility of asthma-specific care.

Identifying standout practices within 19560 is crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management, patient education, and proactive care deserve recognition. These practices might utilize advanced diagnostic tools, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively monitor patients' symptoms and medication adherence. Success stories from patients, coupled with positive reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, can offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), should be given special consideration.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring tools, are better equipped to provide timely and convenient care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services can also improve medication adherence by providing patients with easier access to follow-up appointments and medication refills. Assessing the frequency and type of telemedicine services offered by local practices is a key component of the Asthma Score analysis.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of asthma management. Asthma is often linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric care, are better positioned to provide holistic care. This could involve partnerships with mental health professionals, on-site counseling services, or referrals to specialized mental health providers. The Asthma Score should consider the availability of these integrated services, as they can significantly impact a patient's overall well-being and ability to manage their asthma effectively.

Primary care availability in Temple, PA, directly impacts asthma management. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, medication prescriptions, and ongoing monitoring. The ease with which residents can access primary care is therefore a critical factor. Factors such as the number of primary care physicians, their acceptance of insurance plans, and their office hours should be considered. Additionally, the availability of after-hours care and urgent care clinics in the area can impact the Asthma Score, as these resources provide patients with access to care when their asthma symptoms worsen outside of regular office hours.

Analyzing the insurance landscape is also important. The Asthma Score should consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices. Limited insurance coverage can be a significant barrier to accessing care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions. The analysis should also consider the availability of financial assistance programs and patient advocacy groups that can help patients navigate the healthcare system and access affordable medications and treatments.

Medication accessibility is a critical component of the Asthma Score. The analysis should consider the proximity of pharmacies to local practices, the availability of asthma medications, and the ease with which patients can obtain refills. Practices that offer medication management services, such as medication reconciliation and education on proper inhaler technique, can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of medication errors. Collaboration between physicians and pharmacists is crucial to ensure patients receive the medications they need and understand how to use them effectively.

Patient education is another crucial element. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources and support to help patients understand their asthma, triggers, and management strategies, are likely to achieve better outcomes. This could involve providing asthma action plans, offering educational materials, and conducting regular follow-up appointments to assess patients' understanding and adherence to their treatment plans. The Asthma Score should consider the availability of patient education resources and the extent to which practices engage patients in their own care.

Finally, the Asthma Score should take into account the overall community environment. Factors such as air quality, the presence of allergens, and access to healthy food options can impact asthma management. The analysis should consider the community's efforts to address environmental factors that contribute to asthma, such as air pollution and indoor allergens. Collaboration with local organizations and community health initiatives can improve asthma outcomes and promote a healthier environment for residents of 19560.

The Asthma Score analysis for 19560 provides a valuable assessment of the quality of asthma care in this area. By considering the factors outlined above, healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify opportunities for improvement. This analysis is a dynamic process, and it should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Would you like to visualize these healthcare data points and discover the spatial relationships between these factors? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Temple, PA, and beyond.