15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15660 has some form of health insurance. 44.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.79 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 15660 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15660. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,584 health care providers accessible to residents in 15660, Lowber, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15660 and Primary Care in Lowber

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the asthma care landscape for residents of ZIP Code 15660, with a particular focus on primary care availability in the nearby community of Lowber. We'll evaluate the existing infrastructure, considering physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and exploring the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" assessment.

ZIP Code 15660, encompassing a specific geographic area, presents its own unique healthcare demands. The prevalence of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, necessitates readily available and high-quality care. The "Asthma Score" in this context isn't a single, quantifiable metric but rather a composite assessment reflecting the overall ease with which residents can access and manage their asthma. This includes factors like the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), specialists, and the availability of ancillary services such as respiratory therapists and asthma educators.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical element. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more robust healthcare system capable of meeting the community's needs. Data on physician distribution, including the number of PCPs and pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases like asthma) within 15660 and the surrounding areas, is crucial. This data would ideally be supplemented by information on the patient population size within the ZIP code to calculate accurate ratios.

The proximity of Lowber, and its primary care resources, is a significant factor. Lowber residents likely utilize the healthcare facilities in and around 15660. Therefore, the availability of primary care in Lowber directly impacts the overall "Asthma Score" for 15660. Examining the number of PCPs in Lowber, their appointment availability, and the types of services they offer is essential. This includes whether they provide asthma-specific care, such as spirometry testing and asthma action plan development.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of this analysis. These practices may demonstrate excellence in asthma management through various means. They might have dedicated asthma clinics, employ certified asthma educators, utilize innovative treatment protocols, or have exceptionally high patient satisfaction ratings. Practices with a strong focus on patient education and self-management strategies often yield better outcomes for asthma sufferers. These practices would be considered high-performing and contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

Telemedicine adoption is another important consideration. The ability to access healthcare remotely can significantly improve access, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, particularly those offering virtual asthma management programs, would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." The availability of reliable internet access in the area is also a factor, as it is essential for effective telemedicine.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as crucial in managing chronic illnesses. Asthma can be associated with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to patient care. This integration would be a positive indicator for the "Asthma Score," as it reflects a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Evaluating the availability of these resources requires a thorough investigation. This includes reviewing practice websites, contacting healthcare providers directly, and analyzing publicly available data on healthcare utilization and outcomes. The analysis should also consider factors such as insurance acceptance, language accessibility, and the availability of transportation to healthcare facilities.

The "Asthma Score" for 15660, therefore, is a composite assessment based on all these factors. A high score would indicate robust healthcare access, a high physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources. A low score would indicate the opposite, highlighting potential challenges in accessing and managing asthma care.

Analyzing the primary care availability in Lowber directly impacts the overall score. If Lowber has a limited number of PCPs, long wait times, or a lack of specialized asthma care, the overall "Asthma Score" for 15660 would likely be negatively affected. Conversely, a strong primary care infrastructure in Lowber, coupled with accessible asthma management services, would significantly improve the score.

This analysis would also need to account for any disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors. Areas with higher poverty rates may experience greater challenges in accessing healthcare, even if resources are technically available. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable asthma care for all residents of 15660.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" serves as a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. It provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and advocate for better asthma care. This could include initiatives to increase the number of PCPs, expand telemedicine services, and improve access to mental health resources.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15660 and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, demographics, and other relevant data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis.