15078, Slovan, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15078, Slovan, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15078 has some form of health insurance. 72.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.76 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 15078 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 74 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15078. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,317 health care providers accessible to residents in 15078, Slovan, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15078 & Primary Care in Slovan

Analyzing the accessibility and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 15078, encompassing Slovan, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," considers factors beyond simple physician counts. It delves into physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Slovan, understanding the PCP landscape is paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and local healthcare providers, is essential to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within the 15078 ZIP code. This ratio forms the baseline for the "Accessibility" component of the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care significantly impacts asthma management. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Are they patient-centered? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses? Practices that actively participate in asthma management programs, adhere to national guidelines (like those from the National Institutes of Health), and demonstrate strong patient outcomes would receive higher scores. This "Practice Quality" component considers factors like the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and communication, the availability of spirometry testing in-office, and the integration of asthma action plans.

Telemedicine has rapidly evolved, particularly in healthcare. Its role in asthma management is significant. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring, especially for patients with limited mobility or those living in geographically isolated areas. The "Telemedicine Adoption" component assesses the extent to which local PCPs and specialists in the 15078 area utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into existing workflows. Practices actively embracing telemedicine would score higher, demonstrating a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

Asthma is not solely a physical condition; it can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, potentially exacerbating symptoms and hindering treatment adherence. The "Mental Health Resources" component evaluates the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes assessing the presence of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who specialize in working with patients with chronic respiratory conditions. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is crucial for providing holistic care. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer referrals to appropriate resources would receive higher scores, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

Identifying "standout practices" is essential. These are practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This could involve practices that have received awards or recognition for their patient outcomes, those that actively participate in research or quality improvement initiatives, or those that have implemented innovative programs to improve asthma management. Publicly available data, patient testimonials, and peer reviews can help identify these standout practices. The "Standout Practices" component highlights these exemplary providers, providing a benchmark for other practices to emulate.

The Asthma Score itself is not a single number but a composite assessment. It is derived from the weighted average of the five components: Accessibility (physician-to-patient ratio), Practice Quality, Telemedicine Adoption, Mental Health Resources, and Standout Practices. Each component is assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, Accessibility and Practice Quality might carry higher weights than Telemedicine Adoption, depending on the specific needs of the community. The final score provides a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within the 15078 ZIP code.

The final score, however, is just a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular reassessments are necessary to track changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of mental health resources. This ongoing monitoring ensures that the Asthma Score remains relevant and useful for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Understanding the nuances of asthma care in Slovan requires a deep dive into the available data and local resources. The Asthma Score provides a framework for this analysis, highlighting the critical factors that influence patient outcomes. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating practice quality, assessing telemedicine adoption, considering mental health resources, and identifying standout practices, a comprehensive picture of asthma care in the 15078 ZIP code emerges. This analysis, when combined with other relevant data, can inform healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Slovan and visualize the data used in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.