15628, Donegal, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15628, Donegal, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.97 percent of the residents in 15628 has some form of health insurance. 56.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.59 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 15628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 76 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15628. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,442 health care providers accessible to residents in 15628, Donegal, Pennsylvania.

Asthma management, a critical aspect of public health, demands a multifaceted approach, especially within specific geographic areas. This analysis focuses on the quality of asthma care in ZIP Code 15628, encompassing Donegal, Pennsylvania, evaluating physician availability, resource allocation, and the overall support system for patients. The aim is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Donegal, assessing PCP density is crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. This scarcity can lead to delayed care, exacerbations, and potentially, increased hospitalizations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, enabling patients to receive prompt attention and establish strong patient-physician relationships. The precise physician-to-patient ratio in 15628 is a key data point. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, is essential to calculate this ratio accurately.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. This includes their expertise in asthma diagnosis, their adherence to established treatment guidelines (such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), and their ability to develop personalized asthma action plans. The "Asthma Score" should consider factors like the percentage of PCPs who regularly assess asthma control using standardized questionnaires, the frequency with which they prescribe inhaled corticosteroids (the cornerstone of asthma maintenance therapy), and their proficiency in educating patients on proper inhaler technique.

Standout practices within 15628 would demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. These practices might be characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, involving not only PCPs but also respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and potentially, allergists. They might utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, facilitate communication, and ensure adherence to treatment plans. Furthermore, they might offer specialized asthma clinics or programs, providing comprehensive care and support to patients with complex asthma needs. Identifying these standout practices requires a review of patient testimonials, practice websites, and potentially, direct observation of their operations.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Donegal. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management. This can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improve access to care for patients with mobility limitations, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans. The "Asthma Score" should evaluate the extent to which PCPs in 15628 utilize telemedicine, the types of telemedicine services they offer, and the patient satisfaction levels with these services.

Asthma is often associated with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The "Asthma Score" should assess the extent to which PCPs in 15628 screen patients for mental health issues, the availability of on-site or referral-based mental health services, and the integration of mental health care into the overall asthma management plan. This includes assessing the ease with which patients can access mental health professionals, the types of mental health therapies offered, and the collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers.

Evaluating the availability of asthma-specific educational resources is also important. This includes access to asthma education programs, support groups, and educational materials. These resources can empower patients to better manage their asthma, understand their medications, and recognize and respond to asthma triggers. The "Asthma Score" should consider the availability of these resources within the community, the accessibility of these resources to patients, and the quality of the educational materials provided.

Furthermore, the "Asthma Score" should take into account the prevalence of environmental factors that can trigger asthma exacerbations. This includes air quality, pollen counts, and exposure to allergens. The score should assess the availability of information about these factors, the awareness of these factors among PCPs, and the steps taken to mitigate the impact of these factors on patients. This could involve recommendations for air purifiers, allergen avoidance strategies, and regular monitoring of air quality reports.

The overall "Asthma Score" for 15628 would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses across all these domains. It would provide a clear picture of the quality of asthma care available in Donegal, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This score could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to track progress over time.

In conclusion, a thorough "Asthma Score" analysis requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, the quality of care provided, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of educational resources. By assessing these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within 15628, and ultimately, improve the lives of individuals living with asthma in Donegal.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15628 and beyond, consider exploring the power of geographic data analysis. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician density, resource distribution, and other relevant data points, providing a spatial context to the "Asthma Score" analysis. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps today.