The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19608, Reading, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.86 percent of the residents in 19608 has some form of health insurance. 31.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.33 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 19608 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 5,607 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19608. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,036 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,543 health care providers accessible to residents in 19608, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 19608, Reading, Pennsylvania
Asthma Score | 82 |
---|---|
People Score | 48 |
Provider Score | 77 |
Hospital Score | 39 |
Travel Score | 79 |
19608 | Reading | 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 Score Analysis: Reading, PA (ZIP Code 19608)
Analyzing asthma care within Reading, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19608) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of asthma management, patient access, and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating key factors impacting asthma patients within this specific geographic area.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Reading, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with local healthcare provider directories, can reveal the current physician-to-patient ratio within 19608. This ratio is a significant component of the Asthma Score.
Furthermore, the distribution of primary care practices within the zip code is crucial. Are practices clustered in specific areas, potentially creating access barriers for residents in other parts of 19608? Examining the geographic distribution of practices, considering public transportation routes, and assessing the availability of evening and weekend appointments are essential elements in evaluating access. This information contributes to the overall Asthma Score.
**Asthma Management Quality and Standout Practices:**
Beyond simple availability, the quality of asthma management provided by local primary care physicians is paramount. This involves evaluating the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and patient education. Practices that consistently adhere to these guidelines, as evidenced by patient outcomes and documentation, will receive higher scores.
Identifying standout practices is also crucial. These practices may demonstrate exceptional patient outcomes, innovative approaches to asthma management, or a commitment to patient education and self-management. Factors to consider include the use of asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing, and the provision of patient education materials. Investigating patient satisfaction scores and seeking feedback from asthma advocacy groups can help identify these exemplary practices. The presence of Certified Asthma Educators (CAEs) within a practice is a strong indicator of a commitment to comprehensive asthma care.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for improving asthma care, particularly in areas with access challenges. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 19608 can significantly impact the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited access to in-person care.
The availability of telemedicine appointments, the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow are all important factors to assess. Practices that effectively utilize telemedicine to improve patient access and outcomes will receive higher scores.
**Mental Health Resources and their Integration:**
Asthma can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is therefore crucial. This involves assessing the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices themselves or through referral networks.
Practices that screen patients for mental health concerns, provide access to mental health professionals, and offer support groups for asthma patients will receive higher scores. The presence of integrated behavioral health services, such as therapists or counselors, within the primary care setting is a strong positive indicator. Assessing the accessibility and affordability of these resources is also critical.
**Asthma Score Calculation and Overall Assessment:**
The Asthma Score for 19608 is a composite metric, incorporating the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weighted value based on its importance in asthma management. The overall score will reflect the availability of primary care, the quality of asthma management, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.
Based on the analysis of these factors, an overall assessment of asthma care in 19608 can be determined. This assessment will provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in supporting asthma patients. The analysis will identify areas for improvement and highlight best practices.
**Conclusion and Call to Action:**
Understanding the landscape of asthma care in Reading, PA (19608) is a complex endeavor. The data analysis and assessment presented here provide a snapshot of the key factors influencing asthma patient outcomes. However, this analysis is just the beginning.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and environmental factors that impact asthma, explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize this data, enabling a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving asthma care in Reading. Utilize CartoChrome maps to explore the data and gain a more informed perspective on asthma care in 19608.
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