15077, Shippingport, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15077, Shippingport, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.45 percent of the residents in 15077 has some form of health insurance. 30.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.77 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 15077 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 41 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 242 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15077. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 40 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,658 health care providers accessible to residents in 15077, Shippingport, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care quality and primary care availability in Shippingport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15077) requires a nuanced approach, considering the limited size of the community and the potential for healthcare access challenges common in rural areas. A comprehensive "Asthma Score" would evaluate several key factors, going beyond simple physician counts to assess the actual quality and accessibility of care. This analysis will delve into the specific aspects of healthcare delivery in this locale.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental starting point. While the raw number of doctors in a ZIP code is easily obtainable, it provides an incomplete picture. We need to consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, the specialists most relevant to asthma management, actively practicing within the area. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to appointment delays and difficulty in establishing a consistent patient-physician relationship, crucial for effective asthma control. Similarly, the availability of pulmonologists, especially those specializing in pediatric asthma, is vital. The analysis must also account for the age and experience of the physicians, as well as their board certifications, which can indicate a higher level of expertise.

Standout practices are those demonstrating a commitment to asthma management best practices. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to established asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Key indicators include the use of standardized asthma action plans, regular peak flow monitoring, and patient education programs. Practices that actively engage in patient education, empowering individuals to self-manage their condition, often achieve better outcomes. Furthermore, practices that offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options, crucial for identifying and managing asthma triggers, would score higher. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists can also significantly enhance the quality of asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographic barriers can limit access to care. The analysis must assess which practices offer telehealth consultations for asthma management. Telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits and improving overall disease control. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine with the practice's electronic health record (EHR) system are all factors that contribute to its effectiveness. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

Mental-health resources are often overlooked but are critical to asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should identify practices that have integrated mental health services into their care model. This could include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, or collaborations with mental health organizations. Practices that recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and offer comprehensive support would receive a higher "Asthma Score." The availability of resources for managing stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms, is also a crucial factor.

Primary care availability in Shippingport is a key determinant of the overall healthcare landscape. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the wait times for appointments, and the hours of operation. Extended hours and weekend availability can significantly improve access to care, especially for working individuals. The location of primary care practices relative to the population of Shippingport is also important, with easy access reducing barriers to care. The presence of urgent care facilities or walk-in clinics in the vicinity can provide alternative options for immediate medical needs, particularly for acute asthma exacerbations.

Specific practices within the ZIP code should be identified and evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. This includes assessing their websites, online reviews, and publicly available information. Information from local healthcare providers and community organizations should be gathered. Individual practices should be assessed on their adherence to asthma guidelines, patient education programs, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. This granular approach allows for a more accurate and informative "Asthma Score" analysis. The analysis should also consider the practices' billing practices, insurance acceptance, and patient satisfaction ratings, as these factors directly impact access to and the quality of care.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Shippingport will reflect the collective performance of the healthcare providers in the area. It should be a composite score, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. A higher score would indicate better access to quality asthma care, while a lower score would highlight areas for improvement. The analysis should provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers. This could include recommendations for improving physician-to-patient ratios, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma outcomes. These include poverty rates, housing conditions, and access to healthy food. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for achieving equitable asthma care. Collaboration with community organizations, such as schools and local health departments, can help to identify and address these challenges. The analysis should also consider the environmental factors that can trigger asthma symptoms, such as air quality and allergens.

In conclusion, a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis for Shippingport, PA (15077) requires a multi-faceted approach, going beyond simple physician counts to assess the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of asthma care. This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental-health resources. Understanding the nuances of healthcare delivery in this rural community is essential for improving asthma outcomes.

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