15344, Jefferson, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15344, Jefferson, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.28 percent of the residents in 15344 has some form of health insurance. 39.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.68 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 15344 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 408 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15344. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,444 health care providers accessible to residents in 15344, Jefferson, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15344 and Primary Care in Jefferson

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 15344 and the broader context of primary care availability in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, evaluating factors relevant to asthma patients. We'll consider physician-to-patient ratios, exemplary practices, telemedicine implementation, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the framework of an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score, though not a formal, standardized metric, represents a qualitative judgment based on available data, reflecting the overall suitability of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma.

The foundation of any asthma score lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Jefferson, the PCP-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, infrequent follow-up appointments, and ultimately, poorer asthma control. The exact ratio for ZIP code 15344 is difficult to ascertain without access to real-time, proprietary datasets. However, publicly available information, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) data, can provide estimates and identify potential Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). If Jefferson is designated an HPSA, it suggests a significant shortage of primary care providers, negatively impacting the asthma score.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, creating accessibility challenges for patients in more rural parts of ZIP code 15344? Are there sufficient pediatricians and family medicine specialists, both crucial for managing asthma across different age groups? The asthma score will be negatively impacted if access to these specialists is limited.

Identifying standout practices is vital. Some primary care facilities in Jefferson may have implemented best practices in asthma management. This includes comprehensive asthma action plans, regular peak flow meter monitoring, and patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and demonstrate a commitment to asthma control would receive a higher score. Examining online reviews, patient testimonials, and publicly available performance data (if available) can help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor influencing the asthma score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations for medication adjustments, and convenient follow-up appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for chronic disease management, would receive a higher score. This is especially important in a rural area like Jefferson, where travel distances can be a barrier to care. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to timely and effective asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the asthma score. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups specializing in managing the psychological aspects of chronic respiratory conditions. The absence of these resources significantly diminishes the overall asthma score.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is crucial. While PCPs manage the majority of asthma cases, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require specialist care. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists, and the ease of referral from primary care practices, directly impact the asthma score. The more limited the access to specialists, the lower the score.

Analyzing the availability of prescription medications is also essential. Are there pharmacies within ZIP code 15344 that carry the necessary asthma medications, including both rescue inhalers and controller medications? Are there programs to assist patients with the cost of medications, such as patient assistance programs or access to generic alternatives? The ease of access to affordable medications is a fundamental aspect of asthma management and significantly influences the asthma score.

The overall asthma score for ZIP code 15344, and the broader context of primary care in Jefferson, is likely moderate, potentially impacted by the rural nature of the area. The score would be improved by increased PCP availability, greater telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and easy access to specialist care and affordable medications. The absence of these factors would lower the score.

This analysis provides a general overview, and the specific asthma score would vary depending on the availability of detailed data. However, it highlights the key factors that contribute to effective asthma management and the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare accessibility.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 15344 and Jefferson, including the specific locations of healthcare providers, their specialties, and their telemedicine capabilities, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visualize geographic data, allowing you to see the distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care.