15857, Saint Marys, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15857, Saint Marys, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.25 percent of the residents in 15857 has some form of health insurance. 44.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.80 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 15857 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,515 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15857. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,043 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 465 health care providers accessible to residents in 15857, Saint Marys, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Saint Marys, PA (ZIP Code 15857)

Analyzing asthma care within Saint Marys, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15857) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care, a crucial element in asthma management, and then explore specific aspects of care delivery, including telemedicine adoption and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced "Asthma Score" understanding for residents.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Saint Marys, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, needs to be examined to determine the current ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impact access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and increased hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations. This ratio, however, doesn't tell the whole story. The geographic distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is also important. Are they concentrated in a single area, leaving some residents with limited access due to transportation challenges or other barriers?

Beyond raw numbers, the specific practices within Saint Marys require evaluation. Identifying standout practices involves researching their approach to asthma management. Do they adhere to national guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patients? Are they proactive in educating patients about triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique? Practices that consistently demonstrate these qualities would receive higher scores in the overall asthma care assessment.

Telemedicine is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, and its adoption in Saint Marys is a key consideration. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those utilizing secure platforms for patient communication and remote monitoring devices, should be given higher scores. This is especially relevant in a rural area like Saint Marys, where distance can be a significant barrier to accessing care. Examining the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, and electronic prescription services is critical to assessing the telemedicine landscape.

Asthma is not solely a physical ailment; it often co-occurs with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Saint Marys healthcare ecosystem is a crucial component of the "Asthma Score" analysis. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the primary care practices or within the community. Are there readily available referrals to mental health services? Are there integrated behavioral health programs? Practices that address the psychological aspects of asthma care, either directly or through effective referrals, warrant higher scores.

To build the “Asthma Score,” the analysis must synthesize all the data points. It involves a scoring system based on weighted factors. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant factor, with a lower ratio (fewer physicians per patient) negatively impacting the score. The quality of care provided by individual practices, based on adherence to guidelines, patient education, and proactive management, would be another critical factor. The extent of telemedicine adoption would be a positive influence, with more comprehensive telemedicine programs contributing to a higher score. Finally, the availability of mental health resources would be a significant positive factor.

The final "Asthma Score" would then represent an overall assessment of asthma care in Saint Marys. This score, however, should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation. It is essential to recognize that the healthcare landscape is dynamic, and the "Asthma Score" would need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice innovations, and the adoption of new technologies.

The complexity of asthma care demands a holistic view, and the "Asthma Score" analysis should consider the patient experience. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Are patients satisfied with their access to care? Do they feel well-informed about their condition? Do they feel supported by their healthcare providers? Incorporating patient feedback into the assessment would improve its accuracy and relevance.

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources. Are there asthma support groups in Saint Marys? Are there educational programs offered by local organizations? A strong community support system can significantly improve asthma management and patient outcomes. These resources should be integrated into the overall assessment.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for Saint Marys (ZIP code 15857) would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. It is a complex undertaking, but the resulting insights would be valuable for both patients and healthcare providers.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Saint Marys, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a detailed spatial analysis of healthcare access, helping you to better understand the realities of asthma care in your community.