16140, New Bedford, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16140, New Bedford, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.53 percent of the residents in 16140 has some form of health insurance. 21.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 94.55 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 16140 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 151 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16140. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 82 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,247 health care providers accessible to residents in 16140, New Bedford, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16140 and Primary Care in New Bedford

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality requires a multi-faceted approach, especially when considering specific geographic areas and health conditions like asthma. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in New Bedford, Massachusetts, focusing on the specific ZIP Code 16140 (which appears to be an incorrect ZIP code, as it is not a valid Massachusetts ZIP code, and is likely a typo). We will address the hypothetical situation of 16140 and then transition to New Bedford as a whole, evaluating factors relevant to asthma management.

The hypothetical ZIP Code 16140 will be treated as a representative area for analysis. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of effective asthma care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Foundation for Care**

A fundamental aspect of healthcare accessibility is the ratio of physicians to the population. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer asthma management. For the hypothetical 16140, we'd need to ascertain the precise population size and the number of PCPs practicing within that area. If the ratio is unfavorable, it suggests a potential bottleneck in accessing timely care. New Bedford, a larger city, would likely have a more complex distribution of physicians. Analyzing the city's overall physician-to-population ratio, and then drilling down to specific neighborhoods, would provide a more nuanced understanding of access disparities. Areas with higher asthma prevalence might warrant closer scrutiny to ensure adequate physician coverage.

**Standout Practices: Centers of Excellence**

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are medical facilities that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This evaluation considers several factors. First, the presence of board-certified pulmonologists and allergists is paramount. Second, practices should have a dedicated asthma education program for patients, teaching them how to manage their condition effectively. Third, the use of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for asthma treatment is essential. Fourth, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, streamlines the diagnostic process. Finally, a strong focus on patient-centered care, with a commitment to shared decision-making, is a hallmark of a standout practice. For the hypothetical 16140, identifying any practices that meet these criteria would be a significant step towards improving asthma care. In New Bedford, a city with potentially more resources, this search would involve a wider network of hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on traditional healthcare settings. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine in the hypothetical 16140 involves determining which practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (like peak flow meters), and online patient portals. New Bedford, with its potentially larger healthcare infrastructure, may have a more robust telemedicine infrastructure. Evaluating the types of telemedicine services available, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall asthma management plan is critical.

**Mental Health Resources: Addressing the Whole Patient**

Asthma can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an integral part of comprehensive asthma care. For the hypothetical 16140, we need to assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and whether practices offer integrated mental health services. In New Bedford, a comprehensive assessment would include the availability of mental health clinics, the integration of mental health services within primary care settings, and the availability of support groups for individuals with asthma. The ability to address both the physical and mental health aspects of asthma is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

**Synthesizing the Information: An Asthma Score Framework**

Developing an "Asthma Score" for the hypothetical 16140 and New Bedford involves creating a framework that incorporates the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weighted score based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, while telemedicine adoption might receive a moderate weight. Standout practices would earn high scores, while practices with limited resources would receive lower scores. The overall Asthma Score would be a composite of these individual scores, providing a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in the respective areas. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide resource allocation.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating the healthcare landscape for asthma management requires a detailed understanding of various factors, from physician availability to mental health resources. This analysis has provided a framework for assessing the situation in the hypothetical 16140 and New Bedford. By analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing effective asthma care.

For a more detailed, visual representation of this information, including maps highlighting physician locations, asthma prevalence rates, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual, interactive, and data-driven approach to understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas where improvements are needed.