15773, Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15773, Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.22 percent of the residents in 15773 has some form of health insurance. 48.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.70 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 15773 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 124 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15773. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 82 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 48 health care providers accessible to residents in 15773, Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Saint Benedict, PA (ZIP Code 15773)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 15773, encompassing Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," will assess the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial element in managing asthma, and evaluate related factors impacting patient outcomes. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of asthma care in Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Saint Benedict, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate treatment plans. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care, facilitating proactive management and improved patient outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. The analysis would need to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and compare it to the total population. This baseline assessment is crucial.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This requires looking beyond basic metrics like appointment availability. Criteria for evaluation should include the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, patient education programs, the availability of spirometry testing (a key diagnostic tool), and the provision of personalized asthma action plans. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and consistently achieve positive patient outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits, would be considered top performers. This analysis would involve reviewing practice websites, contacting practices directly, and potentially analyzing patient satisfaction surveys.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, offers significant advantages for asthma management. It can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Saint Benedict, reduce the frequency of in-person visits, and facilitate ongoing monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that offer telemedicine options, including remote monitoring of peak flow meters and symptom diaries, would score higher. The analysis would assess the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the technology used.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and untreated mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is vital. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices and the broader community. This includes assessing whether practices have mental health professionals on staff, offer referrals to mental health specialists, and integrate mental health screenings into routine asthma care. The presence of support groups and educational programs focused on managing both asthma and mental health would also be considered.

Specific examples of practices in Saint Benedict and their approach to these factors are critical for a comprehensive analysis. For instance, does a particular practice have a dedicated asthma educator who provides individualized patient education? Does another practice utilize a patient portal to facilitate communication and remote monitoring? Are there any practices that collaborate with local mental health providers to offer integrated care? These specific details paint a more accurate picture of the landscape.

The Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources would each contribute to the overall score. The weighting assigned to each factor would reflect its relative importance in achieving positive patient outcomes. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio might be penalized, while a practice that excels in telemedicine adoption might receive a higher score.

The analysis would also consider the challenges specific to Saint Benedict. Rural communities often face barriers to healthcare access, including transportation limitations, a shortage of specialists, and limited access to mental health services. The Asthma Score would reflect these challenges and assess how well local practices are addressing them. This could involve evaluating whether practices offer transportation assistance, provide extended hours, or collaborate with specialists in neighboring towns.

The final Asthma Score would provide a valuable snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Saint Benedict. It would highlight areas of strength and weakness, enabling patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions. This information could be used to improve access to care, enhance the quality of asthma management, and ultimately improve the lives of asthma patients in the community. The analysis would also provide recommendations for improvement, such as expanding telemedicine services, increasing the integration of mental health resources, and promoting patient education programs.

This comprehensive analysis, culminating in an Asthma Score, provides a detailed assessment of asthma care in Saint Benedict, Pennsylvania. The insights gained can be used to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare landscape within the community.