15417, Brownsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15417, Brownsville, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.31 percent of the residents in 15417 has some form of health insurance. 46.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.78 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 15417 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,676 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15417. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,357 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,287 health care providers accessible to residents in 15417, Brownsville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses asthma care quality and primary care access within Brownsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15417), focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly concerning chronic respiratory conditions.

Brownsville, a community grappling with socioeconomic challenges, often faces healthcare disparities. Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease, can be exacerbated by environmental factors and limited access to quality care. Therefore, understanding the local healthcare infrastructure is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. In a region like Brownsville, a lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can create significant barriers to timely appointments and ongoing care. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of asthma symptoms, and increased hospitalizations. Specific data on the physician-to-patient ratio within 15417 is essential. This requires research into the number of practicing primary care physicians and pulmonologists within the ZIP code, then comparing this number to the local population data. This will provide a quantifiable measure of access.

Assessing the quality of asthma care requires examining the practices of local physicians. Some practices might stand out. These practices could demonstrate superior patient outcomes, adherence to national guidelines for asthma management, and proactive patient education. Identifying these standout practices involves evaluating factors such as the use of standardized asthma action plans, regular monitoring of lung function, and patient education on triggers and medication adherence. Furthermore, it’s crucial to investigate how these practices integrate specialized care, such as respiratory therapists or asthma educators, into their patient management strategies.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve access, particularly in underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence through virtual check-ins. Evaluating telemedicine integration involves determining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered (e.g., medication refills, symptom monitoring), and the technology used. The availability of telemedicine can be a crucial factor in improving asthma management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the management of chronic illnesses like asthma. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Assessing the availability of mental health support involves investigating whether local practices offer integrated mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric referrals. It also involves examining the availability of community-based mental health resources, such as support groups or mental health professionals. The integration of mental health services into asthma care is crucial for holistic patient management.

The socioeconomic factors within Brownsville also influence asthma care. Poverty, substandard housing, and environmental pollution can significantly impact asthma triggers and disease severity. The analysis should consider how local healthcare providers address these social determinants of health. This includes initiatives such as connecting patients with social services, providing education on environmental control measures, and advocating for improved housing conditions.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists. Access to specialists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of these specialists to 15417, and their acceptance of various insurance plans, is a key factor in determining access.

The review of primary care availability in Brownsville must encompass the breadth of services offered. This includes preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute care services. The availability of these services directly impacts the early detection and management of asthma. Examining the hours of operation, appointment availability, and insurance acceptance of primary care practices is crucial.

Additionally, the analysis should consider the patient experience. Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient perceptions of local healthcare providers. These assessments can reveal areas where practices excel and areas where improvements are needed.

The study should also evaluate the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) and their impact on asthma care. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate communication between providers, and enable the tracking of patient outcomes. The extent to which local practices utilize EHRs and the features they leverage (e.g., medication reminders, patient portals) is a key factor in assessing the quality of care.

Finally, the analysis should identify any gaps in care and recommend strategies for improvement. This may include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, integrating mental health resources, and addressing social determinants of health. The recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs of the Brownsville community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Brownsville, consider exploring the area using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high concentrations of physicians, visualize primary care access, and assess the distribution of healthcare resources.