15827, Byrnedale, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15827, Byrnedale, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 15827 has some form of health insurance. 34.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.95 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 15827 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 42 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15827. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 59 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,632 health care providers accessible to residents in 15827, Byrnedale, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15827 & Primary Care Availability in Byrnedale**

Analyzing healthcare access, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 15827, encompassing the area surrounding DuBois, Pennsylvania, and the specific community of Byrnedale, to assess the availability and quality of primary care, with a particular emphasis on asthma management resources. The goal is to provide an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, culminating in a call to action for leveraging advanced mapping tools.

The foundation of any asthma score hinges on the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 15827, while not a densely populated area, still requires a sufficient number of PCPs to serve its residents. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed asthma diagnosis and treatment. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, alongside information from local healthcare providers, is essential to determine the actual ratio within the specified ZIP code. Publicly available data often provides broad estimates, but a deeper dive into the specific practices and their patient loads is necessary for a more accurate assessment.

Byrnedale, a smaller community within the broader ZIP code, presents a unique challenge. Rural areas often face greater healthcare access barriers. The geographic distance to the nearest primary care facilities, the availability of public transportation, and the socioeconomic status of the population all contribute to the overall accessibility score. Are there any primary care practices physically located within Byrnedale, or do residents need to travel to DuBois or other surrounding towns? The distance and travel time become significant factors impacting the Asthma Score.

Evaluating the characteristics of the primary care practices in the area is the next step. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists within the practices or through readily available referrals is critical for asthma management. Do the practices offer comprehensive asthma education programs, including instruction on inhaler techniques, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans? Do they have protocols in place for managing asthma exacerbations, including access to quick-relief medications and emergency care? The availability of these resources directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. Telemedicine can bridge the gap in access by allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. Does the practice offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication refills, and asthma management education? Are they equipped with the technology necessary for remote monitoring of lung function, such as peak flow meters or spirometry? A high level of telemedicine adoption will positively impact the Asthma Score, especially for patients in Byrnedale who may face travel barriers.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is a critical component of asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Does the primary care practice have integrated mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there resources available to address the emotional and psychological impact of asthma? The availability and accessibility of mental health support will influence the Asthma Score.

Standout practices, those that excel in asthma management, deserve specific recognition. These practices may have specialized asthma clinics, dedicated asthma educators, or advanced technology for monitoring and managing the condition. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices can help improve the overall Asthma Score for the region. It is important to note that this analysis is not a definitive ranking, but rather an assessment based on available data and publicly available information.

The overall Asthma Score will be a composite measure, combining the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each of these factors will be assigned a weight based on their relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio may carry a higher weight than the availability of mental health resources. The final score will be a numerical representation of the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care in ZIP code 15827, with a particular focus on Byrnedale.

To improve the Asthma Score, several steps can be taken. Increasing the number of PCPs in the area, especially those with expertise in asthma management, is a priority. Promoting telemedicine adoption and expanding access to mental health services are also crucial. Community outreach programs to educate patients about asthma management and resources are also beneficial. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to create a comprehensive and sustainable asthma care system.

This analysis is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most current data. A more comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed patient data, practice-level information, and direct interviews with healthcare providers. However, this initial analysis provides a valuable starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to asthma care in ZIP code 15827 and Byrnedale.

To visualize and analyze healthcare access and asthma prevalence with greater precision, consider using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps offer the ability to overlay various data layers, including physician locations, population density, asthma prevalence rates, and socioeconomic indicators. This allows for a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape and helps identify areas with the greatest need. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare disparities in your community and develop targeted interventions to improve asthma care.