16025, Chicora, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16025, Chicora, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.50 percent of the residents in 16025 has some form of health insurance. 37.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.13 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 16025 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 992 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16025. An estimate of 14 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 937 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,494 health care providers accessible to residents in 16025, Chicora, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Chicora, PA (ZIP Code 16025)

The analysis below evaluates the quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility for residents of Chicora, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on ZIP Code 16025. This assessment considers factors such as physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing asthma effectively. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). In Chicora, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. A thorough investigation into the specific ratio within the 16025 ZIP Code is essential. This requires data collection from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, local hospital systems (such as Butler Memorial Hospital), and insurance provider networks. The analysis should compare this ratio to both state and national averages to establish a benchmark for Chicora's performance.

Primary care availability extends beyond just the number of physicians. The types of practices available also play a significant role. Are there solo practitioners, multi-specialty groups, or larger hospital-affiliated clinics? Multi-specialty groups often offer the advantage of integrated care, potentially including pulmonologists or allergists, who specialize in respiratory conditions like asthma. This integrated approach can streamline referrals, improve communication between specialists, and provide more comprehensive care. The analysis should identify the types of practices present in Chicora and evaluate their capacity to manage asthma patients.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational models. This includes assessing their patient volume, the experience of their physicians in treating asthma, and their commitment to evidence-based asthma management guidelines. Factors like the availability of asthma education programs for patients and families, the use of standardized asthma action plans, and the frequency of patient follow-up appointments all contribute to the quality of care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those sponsored by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are likely to be providing a higher standard of care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Chicora. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments. The analysis should investigate the extent to which practices in the area offer telemedicine services, including video consultations, remote monitoring of lung function (e.g., peak flow meters), and virtual asthma education programs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely better positioned to provide timely and convenient care to asthma patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis should assess the accessibility of mental health services within Chicora, including the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health counselors. It should also investigate whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health providers and whether they offer any integrated mental health services within their practices. The integration of mental health care into asthma management can significantly improve patient outcomes.

In addition to physician availability and practice characteristics, the analysis should consider the availability of other healthcare resources, such as pharmacies, respiratory therapists, and asthma educators. Pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring patients have access to their asthma medications. The analysis should identify the number and location of pharmacies within Chicora and assess their ability to provide medication counseling and support. Respiratory therapists can provide valuable education and support to asthma patients, including instruction on proper inhaler technique and the management of asthma exacerbations. The presence of asthma educators within primary care practices or community health centers can significantly improve patient self-management skills.

Finally, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. These include poverty rates, housing conditions, and access to healthy food. Asthma disproportionately affects low-income populations, and addressing these social determinants of health is essential for improving asthma outcomes. The analysis should incorporate data on these factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by asthma patients in Chicora.

By combining data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socioeconomic factors, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' for Chicora, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16025). This score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas of strength and identifying opportunities for improvement in asthma care. The goal is to promote better health outcomes for all residents of Chicora living with asthma.

To further visualize and analyze the data, consider exploring the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. Their platform allows for the creation of detailed maps that can overlay healthcare data with demographic information, providing a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas that need attention.