15673, North Apollo, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15673, North Apollo, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.20 percent of the residents in 15673 has some form of health insurance. 46.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.31 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 15673 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 186 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15673. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 366 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,969 health care providers accessible to residents in 15673, North Apollo, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: North Apollo, PA (ZIP Code 15673)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within North Apollo, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15673) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not just the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, the adoption of modern technologies, and the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of a community's specific needs. This analysis attempts to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, albeit an informal one, by examining these key factors.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. Assessing primary care availability in North Apollo reveals a picture that, while not necessarily dire, warrants careful scrutiny. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions during asthma exacerbations. Precise physician-to-patient ratio data for 15673 requires access to proprietary databases, but publicly available sources, such as the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can offer population estimates. These figures, when cross-referenced with the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code, provide a preliminary understanding of accessibility. The presence of nearby hospitals and urgent care facilities, such as those in Apollo and surrounding areas, can mitigate some of the challenges posed by a potentially unfavorable physician-to-patient ratio.

Identifying "standout practices" within North Apollo requires a deeper dive into individual clinic performance. This involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, the range of services offered (including pulmonary function testing, allergy testing, and asthma education programs), and the practice's adherence to national asthma guidelines. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing hospital readmission rates for asthma, demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. Furthermore, the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and after-hours access to on-call physicians significantly enhances patient convenience and responsiveness.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a crucial element in modern asthma management. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. In the context of asthma, telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of lung function, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine, utilizing platforms for secure video conferencing and remote patient monitoring, are likely to score higher in our informal assessment. The ability to provide virtual asthma education sessions and support groups further enhances the value of telemedicine.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Chronic respiratory conditions like asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is paramount. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a comprehensive approach to patient care. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health specialists is essential to provide holistic support.

Beyond the core elements of physician availability, practice quality, and telemedicine adoption, several other factors contribute to the overall "Asthma Score" for North Apollo. The presence of asthma educators, who can provide personalized instruction on medication techniques, environmental control measures, and asthma action plans, significantly improves patient self-management skills. The availability of resources for low-income patients, such as assistance with medication costs and access to specialized care, is also a critical consideration. Community outreach programs, such as those that educate local schools and community centers about asthma triggers and management strategies, demonstrate a commitment to public health.

The specific "Asthma Score" for North Apollo, based on the factors discussed, would be derived from a weighted assessment. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The performance of each practice or the overall community in each factor would then be scored, and these scores would be aggregated to arrive at a final "Asthma Score." Without access to the necessary proprietary data, a precise score cannot be determined here.

However, the analysis reveals a nuanced picture. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all require further investigation to ascertain the true state of asthma care in North Apollo. The availability of asthma educators, resources for low-income patients, and community outreach programs further contribute to a comprehensive assessment.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in North Apollo, including the precise locations of primary care physicians, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of specialized resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visually compelling and data-rich representation of the community's healthcare infrastructure, empowering residents and healthcare professionals alike to make informed decisions.