16156, Volant, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16156, Volant, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.37 percent of the residents in 16156 has some form of health insurance. 30.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.43 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 16156 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,010 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16156. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 521 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,433 health care providers accessible to residents in 16156, Volant, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Volant, PA (ZIP Code 16156)

Volant, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled within ZIP code 16156, presents a unique landscape for assessing asthma care and primary care accessibility. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," aims to evaluate the quality and availability of medical resources, particularly for individuals managing asthma. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and consider the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in providing comprehensive asthma care.

The foundation of any robust healthcare system is a sufficient number of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Volant, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. While precise figures require access to real-time data, we can infer a general picture. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, delayed asthma management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better accessibility. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from local healthcare providers, would be essential to determine the exact ratio within 16156. This data would inform the initial "Asthma Score" component related to accessibility.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Standout practices in Volant, or those serving the area, are crucial. We are looking for practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management. This includes practices with: certified asthma educators on staff, a dedicated asthma management program, and a demonstrated focus on patient education. Furthermore, practices that integrate electronic health records (EHRs) and utilize them effectively for tracking asthma symptoms, medication adherence, and patient outcomes would score higher. Identifying these practices requires research into local healthcare providers, including their websites, patient testimonials, and potentially, direct contact with the practices themselves. These elements would shape the "Quality of Care" component of the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Volant is a key consideration. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, access specialist care, and receive medication refills. The availability of telemedicine appointments, especially for asthma follow-up visits and medication adjustments, is a positive factor. Practices that offer telemedicine options, and have integrated it seamlessly into their workflow, should be recognized. The "Telemedicine Adoption" component of the Asthma Score would weigh the availability and integration of telemedicine services.

Asthma is not just a physical condition; it can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who can provide support and address the psychological impact of asthma. Assessing the availability of these resources in Volant involves identifying local mental health providers, understanding their capacity to serve the community, and evaluating the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, would enhance their Asthma Score. This would form the "Mental Health Integration" component.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Volant, PA (16156) would be a composite of these factors. Each component – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration – would be weighted based on its relative importance. The final score would provide a snapshot of the healthcare environment for asthma patients in the area.

To further refine this analysis, consider the specific needs of the asthma population. This includes the prevalence of asthma within the community, the age distribution of asthma patients (e.g., a higher prevalence in children would necessitate a focus on pediatric asthma care), and any specific environmental factors that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Moreover, the "Asthma Score" should be dynamic. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. Regular updates, incorporating new data and reflecting changes in healthcare practices, are essential to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the score. This necessitates ongoing monitoring of physician availability, practice innovations, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources.

The information gathered in this analysis could also be used to improve the quality of care. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, local healthcare providers and community organizations could work together to attract more physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is low, healthcare providers could be encouraged to implement telemedicine services.

The analysis, however, is limited by the availability of data. Publicly available information may not always provide a complete picture of the healthcare landscape. Therefore, this analysis should be considered a starting point for a more comprehensive assessment.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice details, and patient demographics, consider utilizing advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Volant, PA (16156), allowing for a more granular analysis of accessibility and resource allocation. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a clearer understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.