15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.81 percent of the residents in 15360 has some form of health insurance. 31.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.87 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 15360 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 393 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15360. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 338 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,221 health care providers accessible to residents in 15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Scenery Hill, PA (ZIP Code 15360)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15360) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their practices regarding asthma management, the integration of telemedicine, the presence of mental health support, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. The goal is to provide an 'Asthma Score' perspective, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of asthma care rests upon accessible primary care. Scenery Hill, a rural community, faces the challenge of potentially limited healthcare access. Determining the exact number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and local health department information must be consulted to establish an accurate physician count. This is the first step in determining the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical metric for assessing accessibility. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and ongoing care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by these PCPs is paramount. An ‘Asthma Score’ must evaluate how well physicians adhere to established asthma management guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). This involves assessing the availability of spirometry testing in-office, the frequency of asthma action plan creation, and the physician's proficiency in prescribing and educating patients on appropriate medications, including both quick-relief and controller medications. The score also considers the physician’s experience with asthma triggers and environmental control measures.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. These practices could be recognized for their commitment to asthma education, their success in achieving asthma control for their patients, or their innovative approaches to care delivery. This could involve surveying patients, reviewing patient outcomes data, and analyzing the use of asthma-specific tools and resources within each practice. For example, a practice that consistently provides comprehensive asthma action plans, offers in-office asthma education sessions, and actively monitors patient symptoms would receive a higher score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The ‘Asthma Score’ must assess the adoption of telemedicine by local PCPs. This includes evaluating whether physicians offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, and symptom management. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for asthma patients, allowing them to connect with their physicians remotely, monitor their symptoms, and receive timely guidance on medication adjustments or emergency interventions. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the score.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, exacerbating their symptoms and reducing their quality of life. Therefore, the ‘Asthma Score’ must consider the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals. This involves assessing whether physicians screen patients for mental health issues, provide counseling services in-house, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists is crucial for providing comprehensive care to asthma patients.

The ‘Asthma Score’ for Scenery Hill, PA (ZIP Code 15360) must also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, some patients may require the expertise of an allergist or pulmonologist. The score should assess the proximity of these specialists to the ZIP code, the ease of referral from local PCPs, and the availability of specialized diagnostic and treatment options, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy. The presence of asthma support groups or educational programs within the community would also positively influence the score.

Furthermore, the ‘Asthma Score’ should incorporate data on local environmental factors that can trigger asthma symptoms. This includes information on air quality, pollen counts, and the prevalence of allergens in the area. The score should assess whether local PCPs educate patients about these environmental triggers and provide guidance on strategies to minimize exposure. Collaboration with local environmental agencies and community organizations to promote asthma awareness and prevention efforts would also be viewed favorably.

In conclusion, the ‘Asthma Score’ for Scenery Hill, PA (ZIP Code 15360) is a complex assessment that requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to asthma management guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialized care are all critical components. The score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing valuable insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Scenery Hill, PA (ZIP Code 15360), including physician locations, healthcare resource availability, and environmental factors, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a dynamic and interactive representation of the data, facilitating a deeper understanding of the local asthma care environment and supporting informed decision-making.