16051, Portersville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16051, Portersville, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.47 percent of the residents in 16051 has some form of health insurance. 33.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.30 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 16051 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16051. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 527 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,846 health care providers accessible to residents in 16051, Portersville, Pennsylvania.

Asthma management, and access to quality primary care, are critical components of community health. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of these resources within ZIP code 16051 (Portersville, PA) and its surrounding areas, considering factors relevant to asthma sufferers. We'll examine physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' perspective for residents.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Portersville, while not readily available as a precise number specific to that ZIP code, is likely influenced by the broader Lawrence County and Butler County healthcare landscapes. These counties, and the surrounding region, experience challenges common to rural areas, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. This can directly impact asthma management, as timely access to primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial for diagnosis, treatment plan development, and ongoing monitoring. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is another key factor. Patients with uncontrolled asthma often require specialist consultation, and longer travel times or limited specialist availability can significantly hinder their ability to effectively manage their condition.

Several primary care practices serve the Portersville area. Evaluating these practices based on their asthma management protocols is key. Does the practice routinely assess asthma control using standardized questionnaires? Are patients educated on proper inhaler technique and asthma action plans? Do they offer same-day appointments for acute exacerbations? Practices that proactively address these aspects of asthma care demonstrate a commitment to patient well-being and are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a factor. EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, improve medication management, and allow for easier tracking of patient progress.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for asthma management, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The ability to monitor patients' symptoms remotely, adjust medications, and provide education through video consultations can significantly improve asthma control. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Portersville is a positive indicator of their commitment to patient convenience and access. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for asthma follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education are likely to score higher in an 'Asthma Score' analysis.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive asthma care strategy. Does the primary care practice offer on-site mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Access to mental health support can significantly improve the overall well-being of asthma patients and contribute to better asthma control. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma management protocols are demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care.

Specific practices in the area may stand out based on their commitment to asthma management. Identifying practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively monitor asthma control is essential. Practices that have a dedicated asthma educator or nurse specialist on staff are likely to provide more specialized care. These practices would likely receive a higher 'Asthma Score' rating. The ability to identify these standout practices requires a deeper dive into patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially, direct contact with the practices themselves.

The 'Asthma Score' for Portersville would ideally incorporate these factors: physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, the presence of standardized asthma management protocols, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource integration, and patient satisfaction data. A practice scoring well would demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered asthma care.

The 'Asthma Score' is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the lived experience of asthma patients in Portersville. It's about recognizing the challenges they face and identifying the resources available to help them live healthier lives. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in the area and evaluating the quality of asthma care.

To gain a more visual and data-rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in Portersville and the surrounding areas, including the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights that complement this analysis, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of asthma care access and quality.