16124, Fredonia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16124, Fredonia, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.85 percent of the residents in 16124 has some form of health insurance. 32.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.40 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 16124 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 413 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16124. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 312 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,008 health care providers accessible to residents in 16124, Fredonia, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Fredonia, PA (ZIP Code 16124)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Fredonia, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16124) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll consider physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, ultimately constructing an "Asthma Score" to gauge the quality and accessibility of care. This analysis will focus on primary care physicians (PCPs), as they often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma management.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment rests on the availability of qualified healthcare providers. In Fredonia, a crucial factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can strain resources and potentially limit access to timely appointments and comprehensive care. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, needs to be combined with information from professional organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to determine this ratio. This data should be supplemented with insights from local healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups to paint a complete picture.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices are essential. We need to evaluate the presence of board-certified physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Practices with a focus on chronic disease management, including asthma, are particularly valuable. This could be indicated by specialized training, certifications, or dedicated asthma education programs for patients. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is critical for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring.

Telemedicine adoption presents another significant aspect of the Asthma Score. Practices that embrace telehealth offer increased accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, provide remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and offer medication refills electronically can significantly improve asthma management. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration requires examining practice websites, patient portals, and direct communication with healthcare providers. The availability of telehealth options directly impacts the Asthma Score, with higher scores awarded to practices demonstrating a robust telemedicine infrastructure.

Asthma is not solely a physical condition; it often co-occurs with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the Asthma Score. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to local therapists and psychiatrists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients will receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices within Fredonia is essential. These practices often demonstrate excellence in several key areas. They might have a higher physician-to-patient ratio, a strong focus on chronic disease management, a robust telemedicine program, and readily available mental health resources. These practices often prioritize patient education, offering asthma self-management programs and providing clear and concise information about medications and triggers. Analyzing patient reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided by each practice.

The overall Asthma Score for a practice is a composite measure. It considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor is weighted based on its importance in providing comprehensive asthma care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted higher than the availability of a specific diagnostic tool. The final score is then used to rank the practices, providing a comparative assessment of asthma care quality in Fredonia.

The Asthma Score for Fredonia, PA (16124) is not a static number. It needs to be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking physician turnover, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving availability of mental health services. Regular assessments are necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the Asthma Score. Continuous monitoring allows for identifying areas for improvement and highlighting best practices.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their asthma care. It can help them identify the practices that best meet their individual needs and preferences. It also provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, enabling them to benchmark their performance and identify areas for improvement. The Asthma Score serves as a tool for improving the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Fredonia.

For a visual representation of this data and a geographically informed understanding of healthcare access in Fredonia, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial perspective on physician locations, practice characteristics, and the distribution of mental health resources. They can also help identify underserved areas and potential barriers to care.