15320, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15320, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.52 percent of the residents in 15320 has some form of health insurance. 43.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.93 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 15320 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,202 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15320. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,065 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 916 health care providers accessible to residents in 15320, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses the quality of asthma care and primary care availability within the context of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15320). This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine utilization, and the integration of mental health services, ultimately producing an “Asthma Score” that reflects the overall accessibility and quality of care.

Carmichaels, a small community in Greene County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting influences factors such as access to specialists, the adoption of technology, and the availability of comprehensive support services. The Asthma Score, therefore, considers these contextual elements.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A critical element of the Asthma Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. In 15320, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists to the general population, and specifically to the estimated number of asthma sufferers, is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is essential to estimate the number of residents and the prevalence of asthma. This data allows for a calculation of the number of patients each physician serves. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care, which positively influences the Asthma Score. If the ratio is high, it suggests potential delays in appointments and increased patient burdens.

The location of specialists, such as pulmonologists, also matters. If residents must travel significant distances to see a pulmonologist, the Asthma Score is negatively affected, as it increases the barriers to specialized asthma care. The availability of pediatricians, especially given the prevalence of asthma in children, is also a crucial factor in the assessment.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deep dive into individual clinic profiles. Factors to consider include the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of extended hours, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific protocols, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are awarded higher scores.

The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice is highly beneficial. CAEs play a critical role in patient education, medication management, and the development of personalized asthma action plans. Practices with CAEs are likely to demonstrate better patient outcomes and improved asthma control, thus boosting their Asthma Score.

Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those sponsored by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. These practices often have robust systems for tracking patient outcomes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing evidence-based practices.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine services by practices in 15320 can significantly impact the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased access to care, reduced travel time, and improved medication adherence.

Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals are given higher scores. These technologies allow patients to connect with their physicians remotely, manage their asthma more effectively, and receive timely interventions when needed. The availability of telehealth options for both routine checkups and urgent care is a crucial factor.

The ease of use of the telemedicine platform is also important. Practices that use user-friendly platforms, offer technical support to patients, and integrate telemedicine seamlessly into their workflows are more likely to see successful adoption and improved patient outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Asthma is often associated with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is therefore critical. The Asthma Score considers the availability of mental health services within primary care practices and the ease with which patients can access these services.

Practices that offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, receive higher scores. If practices collaborate with mental health professionals in the community, this also improves the score. The presence of screening tools for anxiety and depression, and the implementation of integrated care models, are also viewed favorably.

The ability of patients to access mental health services without significant delays or barriers is another important factor. Practices that prioritize mental health and work to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness are likely to provide better overall care.

**Primary Care Availability in Carmichaels:**

The overall availability of primary care in Carmichaels is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. The presence of a robust primary care network ensures that residents have access to preventive care, chronic disease management, and timely referrals to specialists.

The number of primary care physicians, the types of services offered, and the hours of operation are all considered. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer affordable care are also given higher scores. The availability of same-day appointments and walk-in services is another important factor, particularly for patients with acute asthma exacerbations.

The location of primary care practices within the community is also important. Practices that are conveniently located and easily accessible to residents are more likely to be utilized, which can improve overall health outcomes.

**Asthma Score Summary:**

The Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 15320 is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. A high score indicates excellent access to care, a commitment to evidence-based practices, and the integration of comprehensive support services. A low score suggests potential areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine adoption, or inadequate mental health resources. The score will be regularly updated as new data becomes available and practices evolve.

**Action:**

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