15849, Penfield, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15849, Penfield, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.84 percent of the residents in 15849 has some form of health insurance. 49.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.91 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 15849 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 261 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15849. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 301 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,621 health care providers accessible to residents in 15849, Penfield, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15849 and Primary Care Availability in Penfield

Penfield, Pennsylvania, nestled in ZIP Code 15849, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Assessing the availability and quality of asthma care requires a nuanced approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis delves into the specifics of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' perspective.

The foundation of asthma management often lies within primary care. The accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the ability of individuals to receive timely diagnoses, preventative care, and ongoing management of their condition. Penfield, being a relatively rural area, likely experiences challenges related to physician distribution. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing appointments, leading to delays in care. This necessitates investigation into the actual number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas that Penfield residents commonly utilize. This data point forms a significant portion of the 'Asthma Score'.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific care. This includes practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patients, and regularly monitor patient outcomes. Identifying these practices requires examining patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized equipment like spirometers, and evaluating the integration of asthma-specific protocols into their workflows. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a strong indicator of commitment to quality care. These practices, with their proactive approach, significantly elevate the 'Asthma Score' for Penfield.

Telemedicine adoption represents another crucial element. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can be a game-changer for asthma patients. Telemedicine reduces the burden of travel, especially for those with breathing difficulties. Analyzing the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, is essential. Practices that embrace telehealth demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and potentially improve access to care, thereby positively influencing the 'Asthma Score'.

Asthma is not solely a physical condition. The psychological impact of living with a chronic respiratory illness can be substantial. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, is vital. Practices that collaborate with mental health providers or offer integrated mental health services receive a higher 'Asthma Score'. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, leading to more holistic patient care.

Furthermore, the 'Asthma Score' must consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care forms the bedrock, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The distance to specialists and the ease of referral from primary care physicians are significant factors. The presence of specialist support within a reasonable travel distance enhances the overall 'Asthma Score' and provides a more robust healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients.

The infrastructure supporting asthma care also matters. The availability of pharmacies with a good selection of asthma medications and devices is critical. The efficiency of the prescription refill process and the availability of patient education materials at pharmacies also contribute to a positive 'Asthma Score'. Easy access to necessary medications is fundamental for effective asthma management.

To further refine the 'Asthma Score', an analysis of insurance acceptance is necessary. Does the majority of local practices accept the prevalent insurance plans within the Penfield community? This directly impacts the accessibility of care for residents. Practices that accept a broad range of insurance plans contribute to a higher 'Asthma Score' by removing financial barriers to care.

Data collection for this analysis requires a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the U.S. Census Bureau provides a starting point. However, this information needs to be supplemented by direct research, including contacting local practices, reviewing patient testimonials, and analyzing online resources. The 'Asthma Score' is not a static number; it's a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape.

The final 'Asthma Score' for Penfield, PA (15849) would be a composite metric, weighted based on the importance of each factor discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant component, as would the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The accessibility of specialists, the availability of pharmacies, and insurance acceptance would also be considered. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma patients, characterized by readily available, high-quality, and comprehensive care.

This analysis underscores the complexities of assessing healthcare access in a rural area. A thorough understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem is critical to accurately evaluating the quality of asthma care. The 'Asthma Score' serves as a valuable tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses, ultimately informing strategies to improve asthma management and patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Penfield, PA, including the locations of physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and mental health resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare accessibility and a deeper understanding of the 'Asthma Score' factors.