16217, Cooksburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16217, Cooksburg, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16217 has some form of health insurance. 71.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.65 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 16217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16217. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 49 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 405 health care providers accessible to residents in 16217, Cooksburg, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Cooksburg, PA (ZIP Code 16217) - A Deep Dive

This analysis examines the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 16217, focusing on the specific context of Cooksburg, Pennsylvania. We will evaluate the landscape of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and delve into the presence of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing asthma effectively. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of asthma care relies heavily on accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Cooksburg, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and preventative care. A low density of PCPs, coupled with long wait times for appointments, can significantly hinder asthma control, leading to increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Conversely, a robust network of accessible PCPs, ideally with specialized training in asthma management, fosters proactive patient care and reduces the overall burden of the disease. The ‘Asthma Score’ will reflect the relative abundance of PCPs within the ZIP code, considering factors like the number of active physicians, their patient load, and the geographical distribution of their practices.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric in assessing healthcare access. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians serving a large population, can strain the system, leading to reduced appointment availability and potentially compromised care quality. Conversely, a low ratio, indicating a greater availability of physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access and more personalized attention. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio specifically for PCPs in 16217 provides a crucial insight into the potential challenges and opportunities for asthma patients seeking regular care. This ratio will be a significant component of the overall ‘Asthma Score’.

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding best practices and highlighting exemplary care models. This analysis will investigate practices within or serving 16217 that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management. This involves examining their approach to patient education, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the availability of specialized services like pulmonary function testing. Practices that proactively manage asthma through comprehensive care plans, regular follow-up appointments, and patient education programs will be recognized for their positive impact on patient outcomes. These practices contribute to a higher ‘Asthma Score’ by providing a model for effective asthma management.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Cooksburg. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs can significantly benefit asthma patients by enabling remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring. This technology can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments, improving convenience and reducing potential exposure to respiratory illnesses. Practices that embrace telemedicine will receive a higher ‘Asthma Score’ due to their commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

The interplay between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists and counselors, is therefore crucial for holistic asthma management. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will contribute to a higher ‘Asthma Score’. This integration acknowledges the complex interplay between physical and mental well-being.

The ‘Asthma Score’ will incorporate all these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in 16217. It will reflect the availability of PCPs, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score will serve as a valuable indicator of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Cooksburg, allowing residents and healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and promote better patient outcomes.

Further analysis will delve into specific practice details. We will investigate the types of insurance accepted, the availability of evening and weekend appointments, and the patient satisfaction scores of local PCPs. The goal is to provide a granular understanding of the healthcare landscape, enabling informed decision-making for both patients and healthcare providers. This detailed information will refine the ‘Asthma Score’ and provide a more nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the community.

The effectiveness of asthma management is not solely dependent on the availability of healthcare providers. Patient education, access to affordable medications, and the availability of community resources also play a crucial role. This analysis will consider the presence of asthma education programs, the availability of patient assistance programs for medication costs, and the existence of support groups or community health initiatives. These factors, while not directly related to physician availability, significantly impact the overall ‘Asthma Score’ by contributing to a more comprehensive and supportive healthcare environment.

The ‘Asthma Score’ will be dynamic, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. As new practices emerge, telemedicine adoption increases, and mental health resources become more readily available, the score will be updated to reflect these changes. This ongoing assessment will ensure that the analysis remains relevant and provides an accurate reflection of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Cooksburg.

The final ‘Asthma Score’ will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. The weights will be determined based on their impact on patient outcomes and the overall accessibility of care. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison and identification of areas for improvement. This comprehensive approach will provide a valuable tool for assessing and enhancing asthma care in 16217.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cooksburg and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and potential gaps in care, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available to you.