15777, Starford, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15777, Starford, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15777 has some form of health insurance. 27.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.63 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 15777 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15777. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 21 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 311 health care providers accessible to residents in 15777, Starford, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15777 and Primary Care Availability in Starford

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 15777, encompassing the town of Starford, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into key factors influencing asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform residents and healthcare providers alike.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of access to care. A low ratio, reflecting a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, can significantly hinder asthma management. In Starford, the assessment begins with determining the total population within the 15777 ZIP code. This figure is then compared to the number of practicing PCPs and pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases, including asthma) in the area. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and professional medical organizations, are essential sources for this data. A high ratio, for example, might indicate that each physician is responsible for a large number of patients, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient.

The presence of standout practices significantly impacts the quality of asthma care. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and proactive asthma management. Identifying these practices involves examining factors such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for asthma management, adherence to national asthma guidelines, and the provision of patient education materials. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing personalized asthma action plans and regular follow-up appointments, typically score higher. Reviews from patients, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, offer valuable insights into patient experiences and satisfaction levels.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Starford. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to specialists. The assessment considers the availability of telehealth services for asthma consultations, medication management, and patient education. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals generally receive higher scores. The ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine with existing healthcare systems are all critical factors.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they play a significant role in patient outcomes. Asthma can be a chronic condition that impacts quality of life and can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The assessment considers the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices and in the broader community. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, offer counseling services, or have partnerships with mental health providers receive higher scores. The integration of mental health services into asthma management can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being.

The 'Asthma Score' for doctors in 15777 will be a composite score derived from the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios might be weighted heavily, while the availability of patient education materials might receive a moderate weight. The assessment will then evaluate each practice or provider based on their performance in each factor, assigning scores accordingly. The final 'Asthma Score' will be a numerical value, with a higher score indicating better asthma care.

The assessment process begins with data collection. This involves compiling a list of all PCPs and pulmonologists practicing within the 15777 ZIP code. Publicly available information, such as practice websites and online directories, will be used to gather information on practice characteristics, including the use of EHRs, telemedicine capabilities, and the availability of mental health resources. Patient reviews will be analyzed to gauge patient satisfaction and identify any recurring themes.

Next, the collected data will be analyzed and scored. Each practice or provider will be evaluated against the predetermined criteria for each factor. For example, a practice that offers telemedicine consultations and remote monitoring might receive a higher score for telemedicine adoption. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their asthma management programs will receive higher scores for this factor.

The final step involves calculating the composite 'Asthma Score'. The scores for each factor will be weighted and combined to produce an overall score for each practice or provider. The results will be presented in a clear and concise format, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each practice. The 'Asthma Score' will be a valuable tool for residents seeking asthma care and for healthcare providers looking to improve their services.

The analysis will also identify any gaps in care, such as a shortage of specialists or a lack of mental health resources. These gaps will be highlighted to inform efforts to improve access to care and address unmet needs. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the asthma care landscape in Starford, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and encouraging healthcare providers to strive for excellence.

The ultimate aim of this 'Asthma Score' analysis is to promote better asthma management and improve the quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the analysis can inform efforts to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and address the unique needs of the Starford community. The data collected and the insights gained will be invaluable for both patients and providers.

Want to visualize the data and explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Starford and surrounding areas? Explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and availability in your community.