15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15847 has some form of health insurance. 66.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.67 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 15847 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15847. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,253 health care providers accessible to residents in 15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Knox Dale, PA (ZIP Code 15847)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, within Knox Dale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15847), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all contributing to an “Asthma Score” for the area. This score, though not a single numerical value, will represent a qualitative understanding of the environment for individuals with asthma in this specific location.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is readily accessible primary care. Knox Dale, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a potential scarcity of physicians. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This involves identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code or, more realistically, within a reasonable commuting distance. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and various physician directories can be utilized. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater access, would positively influence the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves researching local clinics and physician groups. This requires investigating factors like patient reviews, the availability of specialized asthma care (e.g., pulmonologists or allergists), and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide comprehensive asthma action plans, and offer regular follow-up appointments would be considered high-quality. Conversely, practices lacking these features would detract from the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve asthma management, especially in rural areas where travel to appointments can be difficult. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local PCPs is essential. Do physicians offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication refills, and asthma exacerbation management? The ease of access to telemedicine directly impacts the Asthma Score. Practices embracing telemedicine would contribute positively, while those lacking these capabilities would negatively affect the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact mental well-being, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of mental health services within the community is therefore a crucial component of the Asthma Score. This involves identifying local therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that screen for mental health issues and offer referrals to mental health professionals would enhance the score. The absence of such resources would negatively impact it.

Specifically, within Knox Dale (15847), the analysis will need to consider the geographical isolation and the potential reliance on healthcare services located in neighboring towns or cities. This requires assessing transportation options and travel times to access healthcare. The Asthma Score would be negatively affected if patients must travel long distances to see a doctor or access specialized care. Conversely, the presence of readily available transportation services, such as public transportation or ride-sharing programs, would mitigate the negative impact.

The assessment of specific practices will involve gathering information on their asthma management protocols. This includes evaluating whether they provide patient education materials, offer personalized asthma action plans, and utilize spirometry testing to assess lung function. Practices that incorporate these elements would be considered higher-quality and would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The absence of these elements would negatively impact the score.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the demographics of Knox Dale. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity can influence asthma prevalence and management. The Asthma Score will need to consider whether healthcare services are accessible and culturally sensitive to the diverse needs of the community. Practices that demonstrate cultural competence and provide services in multiple languages would enhance the score.

The overall Asthma Score for Knox Dale (15847) will be a composite assessment, reflecting the interplay of all these factors. A high score would indicate a community with readily accessible primary care, high-quality asthma management practices, robust telemedicine adoption, ample mental health resources, and a healthcare system that is responsive to the needs of its residents. A low score would indicate the opposite: limited access, inadequate resources, and potential challenges in managing asthma effectively.

The final step is to synthesize the gathered data and provide a clear, concise evaluation. This evaluation should highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Knox Dale concerning asthma management. It should identify areas for improvement and suggest potential solutions. This might include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health resources.

This comprehensive analysis, culminating in an informed Asthma Score, provides valuable insights into the healthcare environment within Knox Dale, PA. It helps to understand the challenges and opportunities for individuals with asthma in this specific community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more nuanced and insightful analysis.