15870, Wilcox, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15870, Wilcox, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.12 percent of the residents in 15870 has some form of health insurance. 38.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.78 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 15870 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 245 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15870. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 285 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 431 health care providers accessible to residents in 15870, Wilcox, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, disproportionately impacts communities, making access to quality healthcare a critical factor in managing the condition. This analysis delves into the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 15870, focusing on primary care availability and asthma-related care, with specific attention to Wilcox, Pennsylvania, a community within this ZIP code. The goal is to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, considering various factors influencing patient outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In rural areas like Wilcox, the scarcity of physicians can be a significant challenge. The analysis would begin by gathering data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, actively practicing within ZIP Code 15870. This data is then compared to the population size of the area, to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. The analysis would further investigate the distribution of these physicians, looking at whether they are concentrated in a single location or spread throughout the community.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This involves identifying healthcare providers who have implemented best practices, such as adhering to national guidelines for asthma treatment, providing patient education on asthma triggers and medication management, and offering comprehensive asthma action plans. These practices often have dedicated asthma clinics or programs, staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists specializing in asthma care. The analysis would identify these practices and assess their patient outcomes, such as asthma exacerbation rates, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. Practices with lower rates would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The analysis would investigate the extent to which healthcare providers in ZIP Code 15870 offer telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication refills. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma management programs would receive a higher score. This includes assessing the availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters, and the use of telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments and patient education.

Mental health resources are crucial for asthma patients. Asthma can be a source of significant stress and anxiety, and these mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services within ZIP Code 15870, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. It would also assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices and specialty asthma clinics. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of holistic care.

The Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in influencing asthma outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight than the availability of mental health services, although both are important. The final score would be presented as a numerical value or a rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor), providing a clear assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in ZIP Code 15870, with specific insights into Wilcox.

The analysis would also consider the availability of asthma-related medications and supplies. This includes assessing the ease with which patients can access their prescribed medications, the availability of affordable inhalers and other asthma devices, and the presence of pharmacies within the community. Pharmacies that offer specialized services, such as medication counseling and asthma education, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

The analysis would further explore the availability of community resources for asthma patients. This includes identifying support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations that provide assistance and information to asthma patients and their families. The presence of these resources can empower patients to take control of their asthma and improve their quality of life. The analysis would assess the accessibility of these resources and their impact on patient outcomes.

Data sources for this analysis would include publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and local healthcare providers. Patient surveys and interviews could be conducted to gather qualitative data on patient experiences and perceptions of care. The analysis would also incorporate data from national asthma guidelines and research studies to ensure that the assessment is based on evidence-based practices.

The analysis would also consider socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma outcomes. This includes assessing the poverty rate, the level of education, and the housing conditions in ZIP Code 15870. These factors can influence a patient's ability to access healthcare, adhere to treatment plans, and manage their asthma effectively. The analysis would identify any disparities in asthma care based on socioeconomic status and make recommendations for addressing these disparities.

The final Asthma Score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the changing healthcare landscape. The analysis would be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of community resources. This ongoing monitoring would ensure that the Asthma Score remains a relevant and valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and informative assessment of the healthcare environment for asthma patients in ZIP Code 15870, with a focus on Wilcox, enabling informed decisions and improving patient outcomes.

The analysis would also investigate the availability of specialized asthma care, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy. Allergies are a common trigger for asthma, and allergy testing can help identify specific allergens that trigger asthma symptoms. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions and improve asthma control. Practices that offer these specialized services would receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of comprehensive asthma care.

In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis provides a detailed overview of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in ZIP Code 15870, including Wilcox. The Asthma Score provides a valuable assessment of healthcare access, quality, and resources, empowering patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve asthma outcomes. For a visual representation of the data and a more in-depth analysis, explore the power of location intelligence with CartoChrome maps.