15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.83 percent of the residents in 15851 has some form of health insurance. 40.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.53 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 15851 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,921 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15851. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,079 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,243 health care providers accessible to residents in 15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Reynoldsville, PA (ZIP Code 15851)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15851) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis delves into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall accessibility of care. The aim is to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for individuals managing asthma.

The foundation of any asthma care system is robust primary care. Reynoldsville, as a rural community, may face challenges in this area. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the first point of contact for asthma management, providing diagnosis, initial treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. Assessing the availability of PCPs involves looking at the number of practicing physicians, their patient load, and the ease with which residents can schedule appointments. A low number of PCPs or long wait times would negatively impact the 'Asthma Score.'

Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. The ideal ratio varies depending on the population's age, health needs, and the prevalence of chronic conditions like asthma. A high patient-to-physician ratio, particularly for PCPs, can lead to reduced appointment times, potentially impacting the thoroughness of asthma management. This can translate to inadequate asthma control, increased hospitalizations, and a lower overall quality of life for asthma sufferers. Researching the average patient load per physician in the area is vital for a complete picture.

Specialized asthma care, including pulmonologists and allergists, is also essential. While PCPs manage the majority of asthma cases, complex or uncontrolled asthma often requires specialist expertise. The presence of pulmonologists and allergists within a reasonable travel distance is a significant positive factor. Analyzing the availability of these specialists, their appointment wait times, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is vital. Limited access to specialists would negatively affect the 'Asthma Score.'

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to address some of the access issues in rural areas. Telehealth consultations can provide convenient access to healthcare providers, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a significant positive factor. Examining the types of telehealth services offered, the technology used, and the ease of use for patients is critical. Practices that embrace telemedicine will likely receive a higher 'Asthma Score.'

The integration of mental health resources is another important consideration. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, and vice versa. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, who are knowledgeable about asthma and its impact on mental health, is crucial. Assessing the presence of these resources, their accessibility, and their integration with asthma care is vital. A lack of integrated mental health support would negatively impact the 'Asthma Score.'

Identifying standout practices is a key component of the analysis. This involves looking for practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that have: a designated asthma educator, a well-defined asthma action plan, regular asthma reviews, and a patient-centered approach. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives would also be considered positively. These standout practices would contribute to a higher 'Asthma Score.'

Evaluating the overall accessibility of care includes considering factors like transportation options, insurance acceptance, and the availability of language services. If patients face significant barriers to accessing care, the 'Asthma Score' will be negatively affected. The presence of public transportation, the acceptance of a wide range of insurance plans, and the availability of interpreters are all important factors.

The 'Asthma Score' for Reynoldsville, PA (ZIP code 15851) would be determined by weighting these factors. A detailed analysis would involve collecting data on each of these elements and assigning a score based on their presence and quality. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma management, while a lower score would highlight areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the asthma care landscape in Reynoldsville, PA, likely presents unique challenges and opportunities. While the specific 'Asthma Score' would depend on a comprehensive data analysis, the factors outlined above provide a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of asthma care in this rural community. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical components of this assessment.

For a more detailed visualization of healthcare resources in Reynoldsville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice information, and access to care data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare ecosystem, helping you make informed decisions about your asthma care.