15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.37 percent of the residents in 15909 has some form of health insurance. 45.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.62 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 15909 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 938 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15909. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,131 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,090 health care providers accessible to residents in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below delves into the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 15909, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. This assessment considers various factors, from physician-to-patient ratios to the integration of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive asthma management. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

Johnstown, nestled in the Appalachian region, faces unique healthcare challenges. The city's demographic profile, including a higher prevalence of certain health conditions, can significantly impact the demand for primary care and specialized services like those needed for asthma. Evaluating the accessibility and quality of care requires a multi-faceted approach.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for preventative care and ongoing management. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, public health data provides valuable insights. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, when analyzed together, can offer an estimate of the current situation. This data is essential for understanding the overall capacity of the healthcare system to meet the needs of the population, particularly those with chronic conditions like asthma.

Primary care availability is not solely determined by the number of physicians. The distribution of practices across the geographic area also plays a crucial role. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Transportation challenges, especially for individuals with respiratory difficulties, can further exacerbate access issues. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers is another vital consideration. These facilities often serve vulnerable populations and may offer specialized asthma care programs.

Identifying standout practices requires an assessment of several factors. Does the practice have a strong focus on asthma management, including access to spirometry and other diagnostic tools? Are they actively involved in patient education, empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively? Do they collaborate with pulmonologists and other specialists to ensure coordinated care? Patient reviews, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption has rapidly evolved, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to conduct virtual consultations and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, saving time and travel costs. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available through telemedicine (e.g., medication refills, follow-up consultations), and the technology infrastructure in place to support these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is essential. Evaluating mental health integration involves assessing the availability of mental health professionals, the presence of integrated behavioral health services, and the practice's approach to addressing the psychological impact of asthma.

Specific practices within the 15909 ZIP code require individual assessment. While a comprehensive review would require direct contact and detailed data collection from each practice, publicly available information can provide a starting point. This includes reviewing practice websites, checking online directories, and examining patient reviews. The goal is to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including proactive management, patient education, and access to necessary resources.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 15909 and primary care availability in Johnstown would be a composite measure. It would weigh the factors discussed above, assigning points based on objective data and qualitative assessments. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a greater emphasis on asthma management, and a more integrated approach to patient well-being. The score would provide a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape and highlight areas for improvement.

Improving asthma care in Johnstown requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, public health officials, and community organizations must work together to address the challenges and enhance access to quality care. This includes increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health services, and promoting patient education and self-management strategies.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP Code 15909 reveals a complex interplay of factors. While specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, and resource availability would provide the most detailed picture, a general assessment can be made using publicly available information. The goal is to provide a framework for understanding the current situation and identifying opportunities for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Johnstown and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialist availability, and other relevant data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help visualize the data and identify areas of need.