15555, Quecreek, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15555, Quecreek, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.26 percent of the residents in 15555 has some form of health insurance. 26.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.66 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 15555 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15555. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 598 health care providers accessible to residents in 15555, Quecreek, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15555 and Primary Care in Quecreek

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality requires a multi-faceted approach, especially when considering a specific geographic area and a prevalent respiratory condition like asthma. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 15555, which encompasses the community of Quecreek, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in relation to asthma management. The goal is to develop an "Asthma Score" that reflects the ease with which residents can access appropriate medical care for their asthma.

Assessing the physician landscape within ZIP Code 15555 begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a baseline understanding of the potential burden on existing PCPs. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can be used to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impact asthma care. Patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with their physicians, and potential difficulties in establishing a consistent doctor-patient relationship, all of which can negatively impact asthma management.

The presence of specialized pulmonologists or allergists within the ZIP code is also critical. While PCPs can manage mild to moderate asthma, severe cases often require the expertise of specialists. The absence of these specialists necessitates travel to other areas, adding a layer of inconvenience and potentially delaying access to critical care, especially during asthma exacerbations. The "Asthma Score" should reflect the availability of both PCPs and specialists.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by the existing practices is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Factors to consider include the use of standardized asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, and patient education on proper inhaler technique and trigger avoidance. Practices that actively engage in these practices would receive a higher score.

The "Asthma Score" must also consider the adoption of telemedicine by local practices. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for more frequent check-ins, quicker access to medical advice, and the ability to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans proactively. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, would be viewed favorably.

Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. The "Asthma Score" should reflect the presence of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, either within the primary care practices or readily accessible in the community. Integrated mental health services can improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological aspects of asthma, promoting better adherence to treatment plans, and improving overall quality of life.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 15555 deserve individual evaluation. Identifying "standout practices" involves examining their patient reviews, assessing their commitment to asthma-specific education, and evaluating their use of technology to enhance patient care. A practice that consistently receives positive feedback, provides comprehensive asthma education, and utilizes telemedicine effectively would be considered a top performer, positively impacting the "Asthma Score" for the area. This could include practices that actively participate in community outreach programs or offer support groups for asthma patients.

Primary care availability in Quecreek, the community within ZIP Code 15555, requires a localized assessment. This involves identifying the physical locations of primary care practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. Limited access to primary care, due to factors such as inconvenient hours or lack of insurance coverage, can create significant barriers to asthma management. The "Asthma Score" must reflect the ease with which Quecreek residents can access primary care services.

Transportation options also play a role. In a rural area like Quecreek, limited public transportation can make it difficult for patients to attend appointments, especially those with severe asthma symptoms. The availability of transportation assistance programs or the proximity of practices to public transportation routes should be considered. Practices that offer transportation assistance or have flexible appointment scheduling can improve access to care.

The overall "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 15555 is a composite measure that integrates these various factors. It is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can change over time as healthcare resources and practices evolve. A high score would indicate excellent access to primary care, the presence of specialists, adherence to asthma guidelines, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A low score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or improving access to mental health services.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive picture of asthma care in ZIP Code 15555, identifying strengths and weaknesses and informing strategies to improve patient outcomes. This analysis can be used to advocate for policy changes, support community initiatives, and empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 15555 and beyond, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to explore physician locations, healthcare access points, and other relevant information in an interactive and informative way.