15829, Corsica, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15829, Corsica, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.50 percent of the residents in 15829 has some form of health insurance. 47.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.11 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 15829 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15829. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 236 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 205 health care providers accessible to residents in 15829, Corsica, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Corsica, PA (ZIP Code 15829)

This analysis provides an “Asthma Score” assessment for Corsica, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15829), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and resources relevant to asthma management. The score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The goal is to gauge the accessibility and quality of care for asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area.

Corsica, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas regarding healthcare access. The “Asthma Score” is not a single numerical value but a qualitative assessment based on available data and reasonable assumptions. The analysis acknowledges the limitations of publicly available information and the need for further investigation to provide a truly comprehensive evaluation.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of asthma care is access to a PCP. The physician-to-patient ratio in Corsica is a critical factor. Due to the limited population and rural setting, the ratio is likely less favorable than in urban areas. This means fewer PCPs potentially serving a larger patient base. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments for asthma.

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimate of the population within the ZIP code and the number of practicing PCPs. However, identifying the exact number of PCPs actively accepting new patients, particularly those specializing in or experienced with asthma management, requires more granular data. The presence of a hospital or larger medical facility within a reasonable driving distance can partially mitigate the challenges of a low physician-to-patient ratio. However, even with access to specialists, the initial management and ongoing care often fall to the PCP.

**Standout Practices and Asthma-Specific Care:**

Identifying “standout practices” requires assessing their specific focus on asthma care. This includes looking for practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer specialized asthma clinics, or utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma management.

Information about specific practices can be found through online searches, insurance provider directories, and patient reviews. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice is a strong indicator of a commitment to quality asthma care. These educators provide crucial patient education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-management strategies.

Another critical factor is the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) within the practice or readily accessible through referral. PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma severity. Practices that offer PFTs on-site provide a significant advantage for patients, streamlining the diagnostic and treatment process.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Remote Monitoring:**

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. The “Asthma Score” considers the extent to which local PCPs utilize telemedicine platforms for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms.

The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as connected peak flow meters or symptom trackers, further enhances asthma management. These tools allow patients to monitor their asthma symptoms and share data with their physicians, enabling proactive intervention and personalized care. Practices that embrace telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

Asthma can significantly impact mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, the fear of exacerbations, and the limitations it can impose on daily activities can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The “Asthma Score” considers the integration of mental health resources within the primary care setting.

This includes the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, either within the practice or through referral networks. Practices that screen patients for mental health concerns and proactively address these issues demonstrate a more holistic approach to asthma care. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is crucial for providing comprehensive support to patients.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

Based on the available information, the “Asthma Score” for Corsica, PA (ZIP Code 15829) is likely moderate, with potential areas for improvement. The rural setting and potentially limited physician-to-patient ratio pose challenges to access to care. The presence of practices with specialized asthma care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources will significantly impact the overall score.

Further investigation, including direct outreach to local practices and a review of patient experiences, is needed to provide a more definitive assessment. This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Corsica and identifying areas where improvements can be made to enhance asthma care.

For a more detailed visual representation of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital access, and potential telemedicine availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help visualize and analyze healthcare data, offering valuable insights for patients, providers, and policymakers.