15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.83 percent of the residents in 15533 has some form of health insurance. 56.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.65 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 15533 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 347 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15533. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 155 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 392 health care providers accessible to residents in 15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Breezewood, PA (ZIP Code 15533)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for asthma patients in Breezewood, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15533) requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score," in this context, would assess the availability and quality of primary care, specialist access, the integration of technology, and the provision of mental health support, all crucial for effective asthma management. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. Breezewood, being a relatively small and rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially less personalized care. This can be especially problematic for asthma sufferers who require regular check-ups and prompt attention during exacerbations. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can help quantify the physician-to-population ratio within the ZIP code.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. This includes the experience and expertise of the physicians in managing asthma, their adherence to established asthma treatment guidelines, and their ability to educate patients on self-management techniques. Assessing this aspect requires delving into patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially, direct outreach to local practices.

Specialist access is another crucial factor. While primary care physicians can manage many asthma cases, complex or severe asthma often necessitates the expertise of a pulmonologist or allergist. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable travel distance is vital. Breezewood's location could pose a challenge. The nearest specialist might be located in a larger city, requiring patients to travel significant distances, which can be a barrier to care, especially for those experiencing acute asthma symptoms.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant element in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, offers the potential to improve asthma management, particularly in rural areas. It can reduce the need for travel, improve access to specialists, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of patients' conditions. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine – for example, offering virtual appointments, using remote monitoring devices, or providing educational resources online – directly impacts the score.

Mental health resources are also essential. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among asthma sufferers and can exacerbate their symptoms. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, within the community or accessible through referrals, is a crucial component of holistic asthma care. This includes the integration of mental health screening into primary care practices and the ability to seamlessly refer patients to appropriate mental health professionals.

Evaluating standout practices involves identifying those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This requires examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the use of technology, and the integration of mental health services. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer patient support groups, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement would receive a higher score.

Specific practices within Breezewood and the surrounding areas need to be identified. This involves a detailed search of local directories, insurance provider websites, and online review platforms. Each practice should be assessed based on the criteria outlined above. For instance, a practice that offers both in-person and virtual appointments, has a dedicated asthma educator on staff, and actively screens patients for mental health issues would likely receive a higher score than one that lacks these features.

The overall Asthma Score for Breezewood would be a composite of these individual factors. It's not a simple calculation, but a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem. The score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the system, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This could include recommendations for increasing the physician workforce, promoting telemedicine adoption, improving mental health integration, and supporting patient education initiatives.

The limitations of this analysis should also be acknowledged. Data availability can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. Information on physician-to-patient ratios, specialist access, and mental health resources may be limited. Furthermore, patient reviews, while valuable, can be subjective. A comprehensive assessment would ideally involve direct outreach to local practices and interviews with patients and healthcare providers.

The final Asthma Score for Breezewood, PA (ZIP code 15533) would be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that asthma patients in this community receive the best possible care. The score would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, guiding efforts to improve asthma management and overall health outcomes.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Breezewood and surrounding areas, including the locations of practices, specialists, and available resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for mapping and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify areas where improvements are most needed.