15765, Penn Run, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15765, Penn Run, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 15765 has some form of health insurance. 41.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.42 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 15765 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 291 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15765. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 427 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 318 health care providers accessible to residents in 15765, Penn Run, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Penn Run, PA (ZIP Code 15765)

Analyzing asthma care within Penn Run, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15765) requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating not only the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also the quality of asthma management, the integration of technology, and the accessibility of mental health support, given the known comorbidity between asthma and psychological distress. This analysis aims to provide an Asthma Score, a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible and qualified primary care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in Penn Run is crucial. While precise figures require access to real-time data from healthcare providers and insurance companies, we can infer general trends. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential physician shortages common in underserved regions, likely presents a challenge. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors available to serve a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-doctor interaction, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment. This directly impacts the Asthma Score negatively.

Furthermore, the quality of care provided by existing PCPs is critical. This includes their understanding of current asthma guidelines, their ability to accurately diagnose and stage asthma severity, and their commitment to patient education. The Asthma Score must consider the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as spirometry testing to assess lung function and the use of inhaled corticosteroids as a cornerstone of asthma control. The availability of asthma-specific education materials, both in-office and online, is also a significant factor. Practices that proactively engage patients in their care, providing clear action plans and regular follow-up, contribute positively to the score.

Identifying standout practices within Penn Run is essential. This requires examining factors beyond simple physician availability. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care, perhaps through specialized staff training, dedicated asthma clinics, or participation in quality improvement initiatives, deserve recognition. These practices often exhibit a higher level of patient satisfaction, improved asthma control rates, and a lower incidence of asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. These factors contribute favorably to the Asthma Score.

The increasing role of telemedicine in healthcare delivery cannot be ignored. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Penn Run directly impacts the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several benefits for asthma patients, including remote consultations, medication management, and access to educational resources. It can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, receive a higher score. The ease of access and convenience offered by telemedicine can lead to better patient adherence to treatment plans and improved asthma control.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the connection between asthma and mental health. Studies have shown a significant correlation between asthma and conditions such as anxiety and depression. Asthma exacerbations can trigger or worsen mental health issues, and conversely, mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score must therefore consider the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, and the ease of access to these services. Practices that screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to mental health specialists, or integrate mental health services directly into their practice, contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

The overall Asthma Score for Penn Run (ZIP code 15765) will be influenced by the interplay of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with limited adoption of telemedicine and a scarcity of mental health resources, would result in a lower score. Conversely, a higher score would be associated with a robust primary care network, practices committed to evidence-based asthma management, the integration of telemedicine, and readily available mental health support. The score serves as a snapshot of the current state of asthma care, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in Penn Run demands a nuanced understanding of resource availability, quality of care, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement and guiding efforts to enhance asthma management within the community. It is a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing evolution of healthcare practices and the changing needs of the patient population.

To gain a more granular and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Penn Run, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation.