15239, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15239, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.12 percent of the residents in 15239 has some form of health insurance. 25.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.23 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 15239 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,781 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 201 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15239. An estimate of 171 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,102 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 65,048 health care providers accessible to residents in 15239, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Pittsburgh (ZIP Code 15239)

This analysis examines the landscape of asthma care within Pittsburgh, focusing on primary care availability and physician quality within the 15239 ZIP code, and broader implications for the city. We will assess the resources available to patients managing asthma, considering physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. This information is crucial for understanding the accessibility and quality of care for asthma sufferers in the region.

The 15239 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh, presents a unique demographic profile that influences healthcare needs. Factors like socioeconomic status, housing conditions, and environmental exposures can significantly impact asthma prevalence and severity. Understanding these local nuances is vital for a comprehensive assessment of asthma care within this specific area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. Analyzing the physician density within 15239, specifically those specializing in primary care and pulmonology, is essential. This involves examining the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and the size of the patient population they serve. A shortage of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, can create bottlenecks, leading to delayed diagnoses, treatment, and increased exacerbations for asthma patients. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is equally important, as they often serve as the first point of contact for asthma management, providing initial assessments, medication prescriptions, and ongoing monitoring.

Several primary care practices within and near 15239 demonstrate a commitment to asthma care. Evaluating these practices involves assessing their adherence to national guidelines for asthma management, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Key indicators include the use of standardized asthma action plans, patient education programs, and regular monitoring of lung function. Practices that integrate these elements into their care model typically demonstrate improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the availability of on-site respiratory therapists or access to specialized respiratory services enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in managing chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption by practices in 15239 and across Pittsburgh is a significant factor in our analysis. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of platforms used, and the integration of remote monitoring devices provides insights into the accessibility and convenience of asthma care within the region. The ability to remotely monitor peak flow meters or other respiratory devices can significantly improve asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial element in the overall assessment of asthma care. Examining the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, the availability of mental health specialists in the area, and the referral pathways between primary care and mental health providers is critical. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and provide access to counseling or psychiatric services demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care.

Primary care availability across Pittsburgh is a crucial factor influencing asthma care within 15239. The broader network of healthcare providers in the city impacts the ease with which residents can access care, regardless of their specific ZIP code. Analyzing the distribution of primary care practices, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and their ability to accommodate new patients paints a picture of the overall accessibility of healthcare in the city. Areas with limited primary care access may place a greater burden on emergency rooms and urgent care centers, potentially leading to delayed asthma treatment and increased hospitalizations.

The analysis also considers the impact of social determinants of health on asthma outcomes. Factors like housing quality, exposure to environmental pollutants, and access to healthy food can significantly affect asthma prevalence and severity. Understanding the interplay of these factors within 15239 and across Pittsburgh is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving asthma care. This includes assessing the availability of resources such as housing assistance programs, air quality monitoring initiatives, and community health programs focused on asthma education and prevention.

The overall assessment of asthma care in 15239 and Pittsburgh requires a multifaceted approach. It involves examining physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the quality of care provided by primary care practices, assessing the adoption of telemedicine, and analyzing the availability of mental health resources. Furthermore, the analysis considers the impact of social determinants of health and the broader availability of primary care across the city. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within the region.

The data and insights generated from this analysis can be visualized and explored using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps, for instance, can be leveraged to create interactive maps that display physician locations, practice ratings, telemedicine availability, and demographic data, allowing for a more intuitive and informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pittsburgh.