16161, Wheatland, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16161, Wheatland, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.28 percent of the residents in 16161 has some form of health insurance. 52.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.40 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 16161 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16161. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 143 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,665 health care providers accessible to residents in 16161, Wheatland, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 16161 & Wheatland Primary Care

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 16161, encompassing the Wheatland area, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, from physician availability and practice characteristics to the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care. This score, while subjective, attempts to encapsulate the complex interplay of resources that impact patient outcomes.

The cornerstone of any effective asthma care system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Wheatland, evaluating primary care availability involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced continuity of care. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be essential to determine the population size within 16161 and the number of practicing PCPs. A low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a favorable ratio would be a significant positive factor.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs is crucial. Are the physicians concentrated in a single practice, or are they spread across multiple clinics and hospitals? A geographically dispersed network generally increases accessibility, particularly for patients with limited transportation options. Examining the locations of primary care practices within 16161, considering proximity to residential areas and public transportation, is vital. Furthermore, the acceptance of various insurance plans by these practices is a critical factor. Practices accepting a broad range of insurance providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans, enhance accessibility for a diverse patient population.

Identifying standout practices within 16161 requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating their approach to asthma management. Do they adhere to established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they offer comprehensive asthma education programs for patients and their families? Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on medication adherence, trigger avoidance, and proper inhaler technique, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes and would receive a higher score.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly relevant in healthcare, and its impact on asthma care is significant. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, would receive a higher score. This is particularly important for asthma patients who require regular monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans.

Mental health is intrinsically linked to asthma management. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This integration of mental health services demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care.

Another factor to consider is the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most asthma patients, some individuals may require the expertise of an allergist or pulmonologist. The presence of these specialists within or near 16161 is a positive indicator. Examining the number of specialists, their accessibility, and their willingness to collaborate with primary care physicians will inform the Asthma Score.

Finally, patient satisfaction surveys and reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Analyzing patient feedback on physician communication, wait times, and overall experience can help identify strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system. Practices with consistently positive patient reviews and high satisfaction scores would be ranked favorably.

The Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 16161 is, therefore, a composite measure. It weighs factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, geographical distribution of practices, adherence to asthma guidelines, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, availability of specialists, and patient satisfaction. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to provide comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered asthma care. A low score highlights areas that require improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health support.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with the best possible care, helping them manage their asthma effectively and improve their quality of life. This analysis aims to illuminate the current state of asthma care in Wheatland and provide a framework for ongoing improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape within 16161, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective on the accessibility of healthcare resources in your area.