15502, Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15502, Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15502 has some form of health insurance. 50.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.07 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 15502 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15502. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 57 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 553 health care providers accessible to residents in 15502, Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 15502 and assessing primary care availability in Hidden Valley requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all contributing to an “Asthma Score” assessment.

ZIP Code 15502, encompassing parts of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, presents a unique healthcare landscape. A critical first step is determining the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide estimates of the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists practicing within the zip code. This data, combined with the population of 15502, allows for calculating the ratio, which directly impacts access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent follow-up care, vital for asthma management.

Primary care availability in Hidden Valley, a community within 15502, is a crucial component. Hidden Valley’s population demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, influence healthcare needs. The presence of primary care practices within Hidden Valley or in close proximity is essential. Assessing the number of primary care physicians, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans provides a clearer picture of accessibility. Furthermore, the physical location of these practices, considering travel time and transportation options for residents, is a significant factor in the overall score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the practice's adherence to asthma treatment guidelines (such as those from the National Institutes of Health), and evaluating the use of patient education materials. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer personalized asthma action plans, and actively monitor patients' asthma control are likely to receive higher marks. The availability of specialized services, such as asthma educators or respiratory therapists, further enhances a practice’s standing.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online prescription refills can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The “Asthma Score” should reflect the extent to which practices utilize telemedicine platforms, their ease of use, and their integration with existing patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes by providing more frequent and accessible care.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms, and conversely, struggling to manage asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The “Asthma Score” must account for the availability of mental health resources. This includes the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, referrals to mental health specialists, and access to mental health support groups or programs within the community. Practices that recognize and address the mental health needs of their asthma patients are demonstrating a more holistic approach to care.

Analyzing the available data will lead to a final “Asthma Score” for the doctors in ZIP Code 15502 and primary care availability in Hidden Valley. This score will be a composite of the factors discussed above, weighted according to their importance in asthma management. The score will be a valuable tool for patients seeking care, highlighting practices that excel in providing comprehensive asthma care.

The analysis must also consider the specific challenges faced by the community. Factors like the prevalence of environmental triggers, such as allergens and air pollution, should be factored in. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. The “Asthma Score” can be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies that support asthma prevention and management.

Further investigation involves examining the insurance landscape within the region. The acceptance of various insurance plans by primary care physicians and specialists directly impacts access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, ensure that more residents can receive the care they need. The cost of medications and other asthma-related expenses also influences the overall score.

The analysis also must consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that utilize EHRs effectively can improve care coordination, streamline communication, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. The ability to share patient information securely between different healthcare providers is crucial for managing asthma effectively. The “Asthma Score” should reflect the extent to which practices are using EHRs to improve patient care.

Ultimately, the “Asthma Score” is a dynamic measure that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new technologies and treatment approaches emerge, the score must evolve to remain relevant and accurate. This ongoing evaluation will help ensure that patients in 15502 and Hidden Valley receive the best possible asthma care.

For a more comprehensive and visually engaging understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15502 and Hidden Valley, explore the power of geographic data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive view of physician locations, healthcare resources, and relevant demographic data, allowing you to explore the factors influencing the “Asthma Score” with unprecedented clarity.