15930, Dunlo, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15930, Dunlo, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15930 has some form of health insurance. 16.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.68 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 15930 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 27 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15930. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 29 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,236 health care providers accessible to residents in 15930, Dunlo, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis evaluates asthma care and primary care accessibility within the Dunlo, Pennsylvania area, specifically focusing on the 15930 ZIP code. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing an “Asthma Score” assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management hinges on readily available primary care. Dunlo, a small community, likely faces challenges common in rural areas regarding healthcare access. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, especially for chronic conditions like asthma that require regular check-ups and medication management. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides insights into these ratios. However, these figures often represent broader geographic areas, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact situation within the 15930 ZIP code. Further investigation into local physician directories and health system websites is crucial to determine the precise number of primary care physicians serving the Dunlo population.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices significantly influence asthma care quality. Are practices accepting new patients? What are their appointment scheduling protocols? Do they offer extended hours or weekend availability to accommodate patients' needs? Practices that prioritize patient access, offering flexible scheduling and readily available appointments, are better equipped to manage asthma effectively. Furthermore, the presence of specialized asthma care within primary care settings, such as certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists, elevates the quality of care. This specialized expertise can provide crucial patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and self-management strategies, all essential for controlling the condition.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly in rural areas, to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Dunlo is a key factor in the “Asthma Score” assessment. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, and asthma exacerbation management. This can reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and contribute to a higher “Asthma Score.”

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration of mental health services contributes to a higher “Asthma Score,” reflecting a commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of asthma patients.

Identifying standout practices within the 15930 ZIP code requires careful consideration. Practices that excel in providing asthma care often exhibit several characteristics. They prioritize patient access, offering flexible scheduling and readily available appointments. They have staff trained in asthma management, including certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists. They embrace telemedicine, utilizing virtual consultations and remote monitoring to improve patient convenience. They integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways. These practices, with their comprehensive approach to asthma care, would naturally receive a higher “Asthma Score.”

Assessing the “Asthma Score” for doctors in 15930 and primary care availability in Dunlo requires a multifaceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the characteristics of primary care practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. While a precise numerical score is difficult to assign without comprehensive data, the evaluation framework described above provides a basis for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care access within the community.

The process of gathering and analyzing the data needed for a comprehensive “Asthma Score” can be complex. Information is often scattered across various sources, including physician directories, health system websites, and public health databases. This is where tools that provide data visualization and mapping capabilities can be invaluable.

To further investigate and visually represent the healthcare landscape in Dunlo and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you to easily identify the locations of primary care practices, visualize physician-to-patient ratios, and assess the availability of resources, such as mental health services.