15717, Blairsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15717, Blairsville, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.71 percent of the residents in 15717 has some form of health insurance. 42.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.16 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 15717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,366 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,739 health care providers accessible to residents in 15717, Blairsville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Blairsville, PA (ZIP Code 15717)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, within Blairsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15717) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating factors crucial for effective asthma care. We will examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all vital components of a comprehensive asthma management strategy. The goal is to offer a practical understanding of the local healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers and their families.

The foundation of good asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Blairsville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma management. A higher concentration of PCPs, coupled with shorter wait times for appointments, generally translates to better patient outcomes. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 15717 ZIP code, alongside the patient population, allows us to calculate a physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio is a critical indicator of accessibility. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) indicates better access to care, facilitating regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education – all essential for controlling asthma. Data from local healthcare providers and publicly available sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is crucial for determining this ratio accurately.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. We need to identify any standout practices within Blairsville that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This involves looking for practices that have adopted evidence-based guidelines, offer comprehensive asthma education programs, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate medication adherence, and allow for more efficient monitoring of patient symptoms and treatment responses. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and have strong patient satisfaction scores would likely receive higher marks in this assessment. Reviewing patient testimonials and analyzing practice websites for information on asthma-specific programs is also critical.

Telemedicine adoption presents another crucial aspect of our analysis. The ability to access healthcare remotely can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, especially those with mobility limitations or living in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring. Practices in Blairsville that offer telemedicine services for asthma management should be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. Examining the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered remotely (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication management), and the ease of use for patients are key factors in evaluating telemedicine adoption.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are frequently associated with asthma, exacerbating symptoms and reducing quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of our "Asthma Score" analysis. We need to assess the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in Blairsville and their capacity to serve the local population. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate whether primary care practices collaborate with mental health providers, offering integrated care models. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and resources for managing stress and anxiety related to asthma also contribute to a higher score.

Analyzing the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also essential. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma management, specialists provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The presence of specialists within the 15717 ZIP code or in nearby areas, along with the ease of referral from primary care practices, impacts the overall quality of asthma care. Assessing the wait times for specialist appointments and the availability of specialized testing, such as pulmonary function tests, are important considerations.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Blairsville (15717) is a composite measure reflecting the various factors discussed. A high score indicates excellent access to care, high-quality services, and a supportive environment for asthma patients. A lower score suggests potential areas for improvement. The final score should be accompanied by specific recommendations for improving asthma care in the community. This might include advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and supporting asthma education programs.

The assessment should also include an evaluation of the local pharmacy landscape. The availability of asthma medications, including both generic and brand-name options, is essential. Analyzing the pharmacy network within Blairsville, including the presence of 24-hour pharmacies and pharmacies offering specialized asthma medication services, is an important aspect of the analysis. Furthermore, the cost of asthma medications and the availability of patient assistance programs should be considered.

Finally, the analysis should consider the community's overall awareness of asthma and its management. This includes assessing the availability of asthma education programs for patients and their families, as well as public health initiatives aimed at promoting asthma awareness and prevention. The involvement of local schools and community organizations in asthma education efforts is a positive indicator.

This comprehensive analysis, resulting in an "Asthma Score" for Blairsville, PA (15717), provides valuable insights into the local healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers. It highlights strengths, identifies areas for improvement, and offers a basis for informed decision-making by patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. For a visual representation of these findings, including the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics, we strongly recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps.