16024, Callery, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16024, Callery, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.34 percent of the residents in 16024 has some form of health insurance. 29.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.70 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 16024 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 51 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16024. An estimate of 14 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,457 health care providers accessible to residents in 16024, Callery, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16024 and Primary Care in Callery, PA

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Callery, Pennsylvania, and the broader landscape of asthma-related care within ZIP code 16024, aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score, though not a formal metric, represents an informed evaluation based on available data and key indicators.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible and readily available primary care. Callery, a small community within ZIP code 16024, presents a unique challenge. The population size, coupled with the geographic distribution of residents, impacts the practicality of readily accessible primary care. The first step is to assess the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the precise number of PCPs actively practicing within Callery itself is crucial. However, given the size of the community, residents likely rely on PCPs located in neighboring towns, such as Butler.

Therefore, the analysis must expand to consider the overall PCP availability within a reasonable radius of Callery. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer insights into the number of PCPs, their specialties, and their patient load. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care. Conversely, a low ratio could signify longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment for asthma.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' ability to manage asthma effectively. Do the practices follow established asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Are they equipped to perform necessary diagnostic tests, like spirometry, to assess lung function? Do they have the resources to provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques?

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This might involve a dedicated asthma educator on staff, a streamlined system for medication refills, or a proactive approach to identifying and addressing asthma exacerbations. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, checking online reviews, and perhaps even contacting the practices directly to inquire about their asthma management protocols.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the Asthma Score assessment. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve asthma care access, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals are likely to score higher. Telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits, allowing for more frequent check-ins and proactive management of asthma symptoms.

Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources directly influences the overall Asthma Score. Asthma, being a chronic condition, can have a significant impact on a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external mental health professionals, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. Early identification and treatment of mental health issues can improve asthma control and overall quality of life.

The analysis also needs to consider the availability of specialists. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma care, patients with more severe or complex asthma may require the expertise of a pulmonologist or allergist. The proximity and availability of these specialists within a reasonable travel distance are critical. A lack of access to specialists can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment.

The Asthma Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment. It reflects the interplay of several factors: the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialist care. A high Asthma Score would indicate excellent access to high-quality, comprehensive asthma care. A low score would suggest challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to poorer asthma control and a lower quality of life for patients.

In the specific context of Callery and ZIP code 16024, the score is likely to be influenced by the rural nature of the area. This suggests that telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the proximity of specialists are particularly important factors to consider. The analysis will need to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and utilization. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, but it has also created new challenges, such as increased wait times and healthcare worker shortages.

The final assessment should not only identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape but also offer recommendations for improvement. This might include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or improving access to mental health services. The goal is to empower residents with information that can help them make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for better asthma care in their community.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of PCPs, specialists, pharmacies, and mental health providers within and around ZIP code 16024, and to understand the geographic accessibility of these resources, consider utilizing a mapping platform. A tool like CartoChrome maps offers a powerful way to analyze spatial data, identify healthcare deserts, and visualize the Asthma Score factors discussed above. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.