15546, Jenners, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15546, Jenners, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15546 has some form of health insurance. 42.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.72 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 15546 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 257 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15546. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 106 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 753 health care providers accessible to residents in 15546, Jenners, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15546 and Primary Care Availability in Jenners

Analyzing healthcare access, particularly for a condition like asthma, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 15546, encompassing the town of Jenners, Pennsylvania, assessing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to manage asthma. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for effective asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 15546 is a critical starting point. This ratio, reflecting the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, directly impacts access to care. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all detrimental to asthma control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially more proactive asthma management. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates, but these often lag and might not reflect the dynamic nature of physician availability. Further investigation would require direct outreach to local medical practices and potentially the use of proprietary databases that track physician demographics and practice affiliations.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the medical practices in Jenners significantly influence the Asthma Score. Are the PCPs accepting new patients? Do they have experience treating asthma, and do they adhere to national guidelines for asthma management, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)? Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, regularly review patient asthma control, and offer patient education programs would score higher. Furthermore, the availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometry machines for lung function testing, is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of asthma.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. The ability of PCPs in 15546 to offer telehealth consultations can significantly improve asthma management. Telemedicine allows for virtual follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living far from the clinic, or those seeking to avoid potential exposure to illnesses in a waiting room. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video conferencing and remote monitoring tools, would receive a higher score.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is another crucial aspect of asthma management. Asthma, being a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. PCPs in 15546 should have access to mental health professionals, either within their practice or through referral networks. This could include psychologists, therapists, or social workers who can provide counseling, support, and education to patients struggling with the psychological effects of asthma. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and offer integrated mental health services would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Assessing the standout practices in Jenners requires a deeper dive. This involves reviewing online patient reviews, conducting interviews with local healthcare providers, and analyzing data on patient outcomes. Practices with positive patient feedback, high rates of asthma control, and a demonstrated commitment to patient education and preventive care would be considered top performers. Identifying these practices can help other providers learn from their successes and improve their own asthma management strategies.

The Asthma Score for 15546 is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. It is influenced by physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. A comprehensive analysis should involve a combination of data collection, direct outreach, and qualitative assessments to provide a realistic and actionable evaluation.

The overall picture for asthma care in Jenners, Pennsylvania, is likely to be complex. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, which can impact access to care. The success of asthma management relies on a combination of factors, including the availability of qualified PCPs, the integration of telemedicine, and the provision of mental health support.

The final Asthma Score for 15546 would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas for improvement and informing strategies to enhance asthma management in the community. The score, and the underlying data, should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize and better understand the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics in 15546 and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you analyze healthcare access and identify areas with the greatest need.