15716, Black Lick, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15716, Black Lick, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.53 percent of the residents in 15716 has some form of health insurance. 67.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 28.41 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 15716 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15716. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,651 health care providers accessible to residents in 15716, Black Lick, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Black Lick, PA (ZIP Code 15716)

Analyzing asthma care within Black Lick, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15716) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering both the availability of primary care physicians and the quality of asthma management services offered. This analysis will assess the current landscape, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In ZIP Code 15716, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This information reveals the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the area, compared to the total population. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could signal potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care for asthma sufferers. This scarcity would necessitate longer wait times, potentially delaying crucial interventions and exacerbating asthma symptoms.

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are the physicians concentrated in one area, or are they dispersed throughout the community? This distribution impacts the accessibility of care for residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or those relying on public transportation. A concentrated practice could create a bottleneck, while dispersed practices might lead to longer travel times, impacting the ability to manage asthma effectively.

Identifying standout practices within Black Lick is crucial. This involves examining practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management. This assessment would consider factors such as the use of evidence-based guidelines, the availability of asthma educators, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices with dedicated asthma clinics, offering comprehensive assessments, personalized action plans, and regular follow-up appointments, would likely score higher. The use of patient portals for communication and medication refills, alongside the provision of educational materials, would also be considered positive indicators.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and symptom management, can significantly improve asthma care accessibility. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those facing transportation barriers. Practices utilizing telemedicine platforms for asthma management would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and proactive care. This includes the ability to monitor patient symptoms remotely, adjust medications as needed, and provide timely advice.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that recognize this and integrate mental health support into their asthma care plans would be highly valued. This could involve offering on-site mental health services, collaborating with mental health professionals, or providing referrals to mental health resources within the community. This holistic approach to care is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The "Asthma Score" for Black Lick, PA (15716) is not a static number. It represents a composite assessment based on the factors discussed. A higher score reflects a better environment for asthma management, characterized by a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score indicates potential challenges in accessing and managing asthma care.

To calculate the score, each factor would be weighted based on its importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a significant weight, reflecting its impact on access to care. The presence of dedicated asthma educators and the availability of mental health services would also be given substantial weight. Telemedicine adoption would be assessed based on its level of integration, ranging from basic virtual consultations to comprehensive remote monitoring programs.

The final Asthma Score would provide a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Black Lick. It would serve as a valuable tool for patients seeking care, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. It would also be beneficial for healthcare providers, highlighting areas for improvement and encouraging the adoption of best practices.

In conclusion, the asthma care landscape in Black Lick, PA (15716) requires a careful evaluation of multiple factors. Access to primary care, the quality of asthma management services, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all play a crucial role in patient outcomes. A comprehensive "Asthma Score" can provide a valuable assessment of the current situation, guiding both patients and healthcare providers towards improved care.

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice demographics, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 15716, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can help you visualize the asthma care landscape and make informed decisions.