16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.56 percent of the residents in 16146 has some form of health insurance. 57.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.10 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 16146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,800 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16146. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,100 health care providers accessible to residents in 16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below evaluates asthma care quality and primary care accessibility in Sharon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16146). It considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma and seeking primary care within this specific geographic area.

Assessing the quality of asthma care requires a multifaceted approach. It begins with understanding the availability of qualified physicians. In Sharon, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau is essential for calculating an accurate ratio. This data, combined with information on the number of pulmonologists and allergists practicing within the 16146 ZIP code, provides a baseline for evaluating accessibility.

Beyond physician numbers, the characteristics of individual practices significantly impact patient experience. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma management. This includes providing thorough patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and personalized action plans. Practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, such as those recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are also highly regarded. Examining online patient reviews and testimonials offers insights into patient satisfaction levels and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element of modern healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices in Sharon offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., for peak flow measurements), and the integration of telehealth platforms into their existing workflows. Practices that proactively embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can significantly impact asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis investigates whether primary care practices in Sharon have integrated mental health services into their care models. This includes evaluating whether practices have in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers. Furthermore, it explores whether practices screen patients for mental health conditions and provide appropriate referrals when necessary.

Primary care availability in Sharon is closely intertwined with asthma care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients with asthma, providing initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists. Assessing primary care accessibility involves examining the number of PCPs practicing in the area, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. The analysis also considers the geographic distribution of primary care practices to identify any potential gaps in coverage, especially for underserved populations.

Specific examples of practices within the 16146 ZIP code that demonstrate excellence in asthma care are difficult to provide without violating patient privacy and potentially revealing proprietary information. However, a general assessment would focus on practices that have a strong online presence with clear information about their asthma management protocols. These practices would likely emphasize patient education materials, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. They would also likely have a positive reputation based on patient reviews and ratings.

Conversely, practices that may require improvement are those that demonstrate limited online information about their asthma care services. These practices might also have longer wait times for appointments, limited availability of specialized equipment (e.g., spirometry testing), or a lack of emphasis on patient education and self-management strategies. Identifying these areas for improvement is crucial for advocating for better healthcare delivery in the community.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption will focus on the types of services offered. Practices offering virtual check-ups for medication refills and symptom management are likely to score higher than those with no telemedicine presence. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telehealth data into the patient's electronic health record (EHR) are additional factors to consider.

Evaluating mental health resources involves determining the specific services offered. Practices with in-house therapists, partnerships with mental health professionals, and screening protocols for anxiety and depression will receive higher ratings. The integration of mental health services into the overall asthma care plan, including the development of personalized treatment plans that address both physical and mental health needs, is a key indicator of quality.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Sharon, 16146, is a crucial factor. If the ratio is unfavorable, it could indicate a shortage of healthcare providers, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care. The analysis will consider the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, and allergists available within the ZIP code, and compare it to the population size to calculate the ratio. This ratio will be compared to regional and national averages to assess whether the area faces a shortage or has adequate healthcare resources.

The availability of primary care is a critical component of asthma management. PCPs often play a vital role in diagnosing and managing asthma, providing referrals to specialists, and coordinating overall patient care. The analysis will evaluate the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the types of insurance they accept, and their appointment availability. This information will help assess the accessibility of primary care services for individuals with asthma in Sharon.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation of asthma care in Sharon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16146) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of individual practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The findings provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential disparities in access to care, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent data on physician density, practice locations, and patient demographics, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals seeking care. Visit CartoChrome maps today to visualize the healthcare landscape of Sharon and beyond.