15637, Herminie, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15637, Herminie, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.32 percent of the residents in 15637 has some form of health insurance. 51.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.94 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 15637 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 308 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15637. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 441 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,881 health care providers accessible to residents in 15637, Herminie, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Herminie, PA (ZIP Code 15637)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Herminie, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15637) requires a multi-faceted approach, moving beyond simple physician counts to encompass accessibility, quality of care, and integration of support services. The goal is to develop an "Asthma Score" that reflects the overall environment for asthma patients in this specific locale. This analysis will examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma.

The initial assessment centers on primary care availability. Herminie, a small community, may face challenges in this area. Determining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 15637 ZIP code is the first step. Beyond simple numbers, it’s crucial to assess the capacity of these physicians. Are they accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for appointments? Are they accessible via public transportation, or are patients reliant on personal vehicles? These factors directly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care, a cornerstone of effective asthma management.

Next, the physician-to-patient ratio must be considered. This metric provides a snapshot of the potential workload for each physician. A high ratio can indicate a strained healthcare system, potentially leading to longer wait times, shorter appointment durations, and less individualized attention. While national averages exist, the specific ratio within 15637 is critical. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer insights into physician distribution and patient demographics within the area.

Identifying standout practices is a key element of the Asthma Score. This involves researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care. This could include practices that actively participate in asthma-specific quality improvement programs, have certified asthma educators on staff, or utilize evidence-based treatment protocols. Gathering patient reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience, highlighting practices that excel in patient communication, education, and overall care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine offers convenience and can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within Herminie is vital. Do local PCPs offer virtual consultations? Are there specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, who provide telemedicine services to patients in the area? The ability to remotely monitor asthma symptoms, provide medication refills, and offer educational resources through telemedicine can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of the Asthma Score. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within Herminie is essential. Are there therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses? Are these services covered by local insurance plans? The ability to access mental health support can significantly improve a patient's ability to cope with their condition and adhere to their treatment plan.

Beyond these core factors, the Asthma Score should also consider the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to pharmacies for medication refills, respiratory therapists for pulmonary function testing and education, and support groups for patients and their families. The presence of community-based asthma education programs and resources, such as those offered by the American Lung Association, can also contribute to a higher score.

Specific practices within 15637, such as those affiliated with Excela Health or UPMC, would be evaluated. Their websites and patient portals should be examined for information on asthma-specific services, telemedicine capabilities, and the presence of certified asthma educators. Interviews with local healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups, if possible, could provide valuable qualitative data to supplement the quantitative analysis.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption would involve checking individual physician websites and patient portals. Are virtual appointments offered? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices? Do they offer educational materials online? The availability of telehealth services from specialists outside of the immediate area should also be considered.

Mental health resource assessment involves searching for local therapists and psychiatrists, and reviewing insurance coverage for mental health services. Additionally, the presence of support groups or community mental health programs should be investigated.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score for Herminie (15637) would be a composite score, reflecting the combined impact of all these factors. A higher score would indicate a more supportive and accessible environment for asthma patients, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement. This score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare services and patient needs.

The analysis should also consider the potential impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as poverty, housing quality, and access to healthy food can significantly impact asthma outcomes. Addressing these factors is crucial for creating a truly supportive environment for asthma patients.

This detailed analysis, resulting in an Asthma Score, would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Herminie. It can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local asthma care landscape, and to inform strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Herminie, PA (15637) and surrounding areas? Explore physician locations, practice specializations, and access to care with CartoChrome maps.