15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.31 percent of the residents in 15929 has some form of health insurance. 17.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.08 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 15929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15929. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,171 health care providers accessible to residents in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP code 15929, encompassing the Dilltown area, reveals a complex landscape of primary care accessibility and the potential for effective asthma management. Assessing the quality of care requires examining several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which directly influence the asthma score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians for a given population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer asthma control. In Dilltown, a rural area, the physician-to-patient ratio likely presents a challenge. Analyzing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local medical societies is crucial to determine the exact figures. This data should be compared to state and national averages to understand the relative severity of the situation. Areas with higher ratios often struggle to provide timely care, leading to increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 15929 is essential. These practices often demonstrate superior asthma management strategies. Examining the practices that have a higher percentage of patients with controlled asthma, as measured by metrics like the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or similar tools, is a good starting point. These practices may have implemented specific protocols, such as asthma action plans, patient education programs, and regular follow-up appointments. Furthermore, practices that actively engage with their patients and address their individual needs are likely to achieve better outcomes. Investigating the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, manage medications, and facilitate communication can also reveal best practices.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Dilltown. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers and provide convenient access to healthcare services. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve patient outcomes. Analyzing which practices have embraced telemedicine and the extent of its implementation is vital. Assessing patient satisfaction with telemedicine services and its impact on asthma control is also important.

Mental health resources play a crucial role in asthma management. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the availability of mental health services within the Dilltown area is critical. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling into their asthma care programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Examining partnerships with mental health professionals, the availability of referrals, and the integration of mental health support into asthma education programs are important aspects of this analysis.

The Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 15929 is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. The score should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor should be weighted based on its relative importance. For instance, a high physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the overall score, while the presence of a practice with excellent asthma control rates could positively influence it.

To determine the Asthma Score, several data sources should be consulted. These include:

* **Public Health Data:** Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on asthma prevalence, hospitalizations, and mortality rates in the area.
* **Local Medical Societies:** These organizations can provide information on physician demographics, practice locations, and the availability of specialized asthma care.
* **Insurance Claims Data:** Analyzing insurance claims data can reveal information on medication adherence, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations related to asthma.
* **Patient Surveys:** Conducting patient surveys can provide valuable insights into patient experiences, satisfaction with care, and the perceived quality of asthma management.
* **Practice Websites and Electronic Health Records:** These resources can provide information on telemedicine adoption, patient education programs, and the use of asthma management protocols.

The primary care availability in Dilltown directly affects the asthma score. A lack of accessible primary care can make it difficult for asthma patients to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This can lead to uncontrolled asthma, increased emergency room visits, and a lower quality of life. Assessing the availability of primary care involves examining the number of primary care physicians, the hours of operation of clinics, the acceptance of new patients, and the availability of after-hours care. The closer the access to primary care, the better the asthma score.

The Dilltown area, being rural, may face specific challenges regarding primary care access. These challenges can include a shortage of physicians, limited transportation options, and a lack of specialized asthma care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. This approach may involve recruiting and retaining primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving transportation options, and establishing partnerships with regional asthma specialists.

The integration of mental health services into primary care is crucial for improving asthma outcomes. Many primary care physicians are not equipped to address the mental health needs of their patients. Therefore, partnerships with mental health professionals and the implementation of mental health screening programs are essential. This can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the impact of asthma on their overall well-being.

The Asthma Score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new asthma management strategies. Regular updates ensure that the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the quality of asthma care in the area.

To visualize and analyze the data related to asthma care in Dilltown and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer powerful tools for visualizing geographic data, identifying patterns, and understanding the relationships between different factors. They can be used to map physician locations, patient demographics, asthma prevalence rates, and the availability of healthcare resources. CartoChrome maps can also be used to track the impact of interventions, such as telemedicine programs, on asthma outcomes.