15868, Weedville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15868, Weedville, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.91 percent of the residents in 15868 has some form of health insurance. 43.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.17 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 15868 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 396 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15868. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 455 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 641 health care providers accessible to residents in 15868, Weedville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within Weedville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15868), demands a multifaceted approach. It requires evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care physicians, their specific expertise in asthma management, the availability of supporting resources, and the integration of technology to improve patient outcomes. This assessment will culminate in a nuanced understanding of the asthma care landscape in this rural community.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians, can significantly impede access to timely care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, combined with information from physician directories and insurance providers, can help determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This data needs to be juxtaposed with the estimated population of Weedville and its surrounding communities to calculate the ratio. A low ratio necessitates strategies to improve access, such as incentivizing physician recruitment or expanding telehealth services.

Beyond raw numbers, the specific expertise of the primary care physicians is paramount. Not all physicians possess the same level of experience or training in asthma management. The analysis should investigate whether the primary care physicians have specialized training, certifications, or a demonstrated history of successfully managing asthma patients. This could involve researching their affiliations with professional organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) or reviewing patient testimonials and practice ratings. Practices with physicians who are board-certified in allergy and immunology would naturally score higher in this regard.

The availability of supporting resources is another crucial factor. Asthma management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including access to respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacists. The analysis must determine whether these resources are readily accessible within Weedville or require patients to travel significant distances. Proximity to hospitals with specialized respiratory care units is also a key consideration, particularly for managing severe asthma exacerbations. A lack of readily available resources can significantly hinder the ability of primary care physicians to provide comprehensive asthma care.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care practices in Weedville utilize telemedicine for asthma consultations, medication management, and patient education. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care protocols should be recognized for their proactive approach.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but they play a crucial role. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services within Weedville and the extent to which primary care physicians are able to screen for and address mental health concerns in their asthma patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for providing holistic care.

Identifying standout practices within Weedville is a key objective. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered asthma care. This could include practices that have implemented asthma action plans, offer patient education programs, proactively monitor patient outcomes, and actively engage with patients to improve their self-management skills. Practices that have embraced technology, such as telemedicine and remote monitoring devices, should also be highlighted.

The analysis should also consider the specific challenges faced by the community. Rural areas often face unique barriers to healthcare access, including transportation limitations, socioeconomic factors, and a lack of insurance coverage. The analysis should identify these challenges and assess the strategies employed by primary care practices to address them. This could include offering flexible appointment scheduling, providing financial assistance programs, or partnering with community organizations to provide support services.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in Weedville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15868), requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, physician expertise, resource availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The analysis must identify standout practices and recognize the unique challenges faced by the community. This detailed assessment will provide a clear picture of the current state of asthma care in Weedville and inform strategies for improving patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Weedville, including physician locations, resource availability, and demographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive platform to visualize complex data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.