15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.79 percent of the residents in 15936 has some form of health insurance. 45.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.65 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 15936 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15936. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 405 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,756 health care providers accessible to residents in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hooversville, PA (ZIP Code 15936)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Hooversville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15936) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician availability, practice quality, and access to supporting resources. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients in this specific locale. This score isn't a single number but a composite understanding derived from several key factors.

The foundation of asthma care is, of course, the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Hooversville, the primary care physician (PCP) to patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to timely consultations and more comprehensive asthma management. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, is essential to ascertain this ratio. This data would need to be carefully analyzed to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 15936 ZIP code and the estimated patient population.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly influences the Asthma Score. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management through specific protocols, staff training, and patient education are vital. These practices would ideally: employ certified asthma educators, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and regularly assess patient control using standardized questionnaires. Furthermore, the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) would be a significant advantage, allowing for more immediate and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of lung function. Identifying these “standout practices” involves reviewing patient testimonials, checking practice websites for asthma-specific services, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their asthma management programs.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in modern healthcare, and its adoption within Hooversville’s medical community directly impacts the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients, including virtual consultations for medication adjustments, remote monitoring of symptoms, and convenient access to specialists. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, reduce the need for in-person visits, and provide care to patients who may face geographical or mobility limitations. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires researching which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available remotely, and the ease of access for patients.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical factor in the Asthma Score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who are familiar with the psychological aspects of chronic respiratory conditions. The presence of mental health services integrated into primary care practices, or readily accessible referrals to mental health specialists, would be highly beneficial. This assessment would involve researching local mental health providers, identifying any collaborative programs between primary care practices and mental health professionals, and evaluating the availability of support groups or educational resources for asthma patients.

Specialty care is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma management. While PCPs provide the foundation of care, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance of Hooversville (e.g., within a 30-mile radius) is a key element of the Asthma Score. This requires researching the presence of pulmonologists and allergists in the surrounding areas, assessing their wait times for appointments, and evaluating their acceptance of various insurance plans.

Another factor to consider is access to pharmacies and the availability of asthma medications. The presence of multiple pharmacies within the 15936 ZIP code, offering a wide range of asthma medications and inhalers, ensures that patients can readily obtain the necessary prescriptions. This includes assessing the pharmacies' hours of operation, their ability to provide medication counseling, and their participation in patient assistance programs.

Finally, the Asthma Score must consider community resources and support. Local asthma support groups, educational programs, and community health initiatives can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The presence of these resources, along with public awareness campaigns about asthma triggers and management strategies, contributes to a more supportive healthcare environment. This requires researching local community organizations, hospitals, and health departments to identify asthma-related programs and resources.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Hooversville, PA (15936) would be a complex evaluation based on the factors discussed. It requires a detailed analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, access to specialty care, the presence of pharmacies, and the availability of community support. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system that prioritizes asthma management, provides timely access to care, and supports patients' overall well-being. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as increasing physician availability, enhancing practice protocols, and expanding access to supportive resources.

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