15560, Shanksville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15560, Shanksville, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.54 percent of the residents in 15560 has some form of health insurance. 42.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.55 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 15560 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 29 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15560. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 26 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 611 health care providers accessible to residents in 15560, Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Shanksville, PA (ZIP Code 15560)

Analyzing the availability of asthma care in Shanksville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15560) necessitates a comprehensive assessment beyond simply counting doctors. This analysis will delve into various factors, assigning an "Asthma Score" based on a holistic evaluation of primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for managing this chronic respiratory condition. The evaluation will consider the unique geographical and demographic characteristics of Shanksville.

Shanksville, a rural community, presents specific challenges in healthcare access. The geographical isolation and potentially limited public transportation options can hinder patients' ability to attend regular appointments, a critical component of asthma management. Therefore, proximity to primary care providers becomes a significant factor in the Asthma Score. A higher score is awarded to areas with a denser concentration of primary care physicians within a reasonable travel distance, accounting for the potential limitations in transportation.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally indicates better access to care, allowing for shorter wait times and more personalized attention. Analyzing the ratio specifically for primary care physicians in the 15560 ZIP code is crucial. This analysis will consider the availability of family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians, all of whom play a role in asthma diagnosis and management. A higher Asthma Score will be given to areas with a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater likelihood of patients receiving timely and consistent care.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality and specialization of care are paramount. The Asthma Score will evaluate the presence of practices with a demonstrated focus on respiratory health. This includes practices that employ certified asthma educators, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and have established protocols for asthma management consistent with current guidelines. The presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within a reasonable distance also significantly boosts the score, indicating access to specialized expertise.

Telemedicine, particularly in rural areas, has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare access. The Asthma Score will assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the 15560 ZIP code. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of respiratory function, and online patient education resources will receive a higher score. Telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and improving overall asthma control.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can contribute to mental health challenges. The Asthma Score will evaluate the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or actively screen patients for mental health conditions will receive a higher score. This integrated approach recognizes the holistic needs of asthma patients.

Specific practices within the 15560 ZIP code will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. While specific practice names are omitted for privacy, the analysis will highlight standout practices based on their commitment to asthma care. This might include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a strong emphasis on patient education, or a robust telemedicine program. These standout practices will serve as models for other providers in the area.

The analysis will also consider the availability of emergency care services. Asthma exacerbations can be life-threatening, and rapid access to emergency care is crucial. The proximity to hospitals with emergency departments equipped to handle respiratory emergencies will be factored into the Asthma Score. The presence of ambulance services and their response times will also be considered.

Furthermore, the analysis will incorporate data on patient demographics. Understanding the age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of asthma within the 15560 ZIP code is essential for tailoring healthcare services. The Asthma Score will consider these factors to ensure that the assessment reflects the specific needs of the community.

The Asthma Score for the 15560 ZIP code will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Shanksville.

The limitations of this analysis should be acknowledged. Data availability can vary, and the assessment relies on publicly available information and potentially limited practice-specific data. The Asthma Score provides a snapshot in time and may not reflect ongoing changes in healthcare services. However, it offers a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Shanksville and for identifying areas for improvement.

This analysis provides a valuable overview of asthma care accessibility within the 15560 ZIP code. For a more detailed and interactive visualization of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, practice specializations, and telemedicine availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. These tools can help you visualize the data, identify potential gaps in care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.