15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.42 percent of the residents in 15958 has some form of health insurance. 40.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.83 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 15958 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15958. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 448 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 948 health care providers accessible to residents in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Summerhill, PA (ZIP Code 15958)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Summerhill, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15958) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, access to mental health resources, and adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients. While a precise numerical score is impossible without granular data, we can establish a qualitative ranking based on available information.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Summerhill, a small community, likely faces challenges in this area. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. Rural areas often experience shortages, meaning each PCP must manage a larger patient load. This can impact the time available for detailed asthma management, patient education, and follow-up appointments. Without specific data, we can infer a potentially higher patient-to-physician ratio than in more urban areas, potentially lowering the initial “Asthma Score.”

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Do local PCPs have experience managing asthma? Do they adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? This information is difficult to ascertain without direct surveys or detailed reviews. However, public sources like online patient reviews and health insurance provider directories can offer clues. Practices with consistently positive feedback regarding asthma management, clear communication, and proactive patient education would contribute positively to the “Asthma Score.” Conversely, practices with negative reviews, particularly those mentioning inadequate asthma control or poor communication, would detract from the score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. Are there any primary care clinics in Summerhill or the surrounding areas that have demonstrated a commitment to asthma care? This could involve specialized asthma clinics, practices with certified asthma educators (AE-C), or those participating in asthma-focused quality improvement programs. Practices actively promoting asthma action plans, offering regular spirometry testing, and providing comprehensive patient education would be considered high-performing and significantly boost the overall “Asthma Score.”

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In rural areas, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialist consultations and ongoing asthma management. Are local practices offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication refills, or asthma education? The presence of telemedicine capabilities would improve the “Asthma Score.” Practices that actively utilize remote monitoring devices, allowing patients to track their peak flow or symptoms at home, would further enhance the score. The degree of telemedicine integration is a significant factor, with comprehensive adoption leading to a higher rating.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are critically important. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Are local primary care practices screening patients for mental health concerns? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists? The availability and accessibility of these resources directly impact the patient experience and contribute to effective asthma management. The presence of readily accessible mental health support, either within the practice or through strong referral networks, would significantly elevate the “Asthma Score.” The absence of such resources would negatively impact the score.

Access to specialty care is another consideration. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require consultation with pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity to specialists, and the ease of referral processes, significantly affect the overall “Asthma Score.” If specialists are located in nearby cities, the travel time and ease of access to specialists would be factored into the overall score.

Medication access is also a factor. Are local pharmacies well-stocked with asthma medications, including both rescue inhalers and controller medications? Are there programs to assist patients with the cost of their medications, such as patient assistance programs or copay assistance cards? The availability and affordability of asthma medications are essential for effective asthma control. Practices that actively assist patients in accessing affordable medications would contribute positively to the “Asthma Score.”

Patient education is a cornerstone of asthma management. Do local practices provide patients with comprehensive asthma education, including information on triggers, medication use, inhaler technique, and asthma action plans? Practices that offer group education sessions, provide educational materials, and actively involve patients in their care would be considered high-performing and would improve the “Asthma Score.”

Finally, community resources can play a role. Are there local support groups for asthma patients? Are there programs to promote asthma awareness and education within the community? The presence of these resources can enhance the overall care environment and improve the “Asthma Score.”

In conclusion, assessing the “Asthma Score” for Summerhill, PA (15958) requires a nuanced evaluation. While a precise numerical score is impossible without extensive data, we can infer a likely score based on the factors discussed. The score is likely to be moderate, potentially impacted by the rural setting and potential limitations in physician availability. However, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources can significantly improve the score.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Summerhill, PA (15958) and surrounding areas, and to gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, access to specialists, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare ecosystem and help you make informed decisions about your asthma care.