16224, Fairmount City, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16224, Fairmount City, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.63 percent of the residents in 16224 has some form of health insurance. 45.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.62 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 16224 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 197 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16224. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 265 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 474 health care providers accessible to residents in 16224, Fairmount City, Pennsylvania.

Asthma management within ZIP code 16224, encompassing Fairmount City, Pennsylvania, requires a nuanced understanding of available resources and their accessibility. Analyzing the 'Asthma Score' for local physicians necessitates a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, integration of mental health resources, and the overall quality of primary care available. This analysis aims to provide an informed perspective on the current state of asthma care in Fairmount City, with a focus on the resources available to patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially compromised continuity of care. Data from reliable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association, should be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 16224. This data needs to be further segmented to identify the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) specifically, as they often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma management. A low PCP-to-patient ratio could necessitate patients seeking care outside of the immediate Fairmount City area, potentially hindering timely intervention and follow-up.

Primary care availability in Fairmount City is paramount. The quality of primary care significantly influences asthma outcomes. A strong primary care system provides patients with regular check-ups, proactive asthma management plans, and timely referrals to specialists when necessary. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, and the presence of extended office hours. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs, including inhaler technique training and trigger avoidance strategies, should be considered favorably. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) facilitates better communication between providers and enables more efficient tracking of patient progress.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Fairmount City. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., peak flow meter readings), and the use of telehealth platforms for asthma education and management. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care protocols should be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and improved access.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the integration of mental health resources. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Physicians who proactively screen for mental health issues and provide access to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, are better equipped to provide comprehensive asthma care. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources involves assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health services, have established referral pathways to mental health providers, or collaborate with mental health specialists to provide integrated care. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health in asthma management should be considered to have a higher 'Asthma Score'.

Identifying standout practices in Fairmount City requires a deeper dive into individual physician profiles and practice characteristics. Factors to consider include the physician's board certification in relevant specialties (e.g., pulmonology, allergy and immunology), years of experience, patient satisfaction scores, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that consistently demonstrate high patient satisfaction, actively participate in asthma-related research or education, and have implemented evidence-based asthma management protocols should be recognized as leaders in asthma care. Furthermore, practices that are actively involved in community outreach programs, such as asthma awareness campaigns or free asthma screenings, demonstrate a commitment to improving the health of the community.

The 'Asthma Score' for a physician or practice should be a composite measure, considering all the factors mentioned above. It should not be a static number but a dynamic assessment that is regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The score should be transparent and easily accessible to patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score should consider the availability of asthma-specific resources, such as nebulizers, spacers, and peak flow meters, and the practice's ability to provide these resources to patients.

The evaluation of asthma care in Fairmount City must also consider the challenges faced by the local population. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of access to transportation, can significantly impact asthma outcomes. Practices that are sensitive to these challenges and offer services tailored to the needs of the community should be recognized for their efforts. This could include offering financial assistance to patients, providing transportation to appointments, or partnering with community organizations to address social determinants of health.

In conclusion, assessing the 'Asthma Score' for physicians in ZIP code 16224 and evaluating primary care availability in Fairmount City requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the adoption of telemedicine, evaluating the integration of mental health resources, and identifying standout practices. By considering these factors, patients can gain a clearer understanding of the available resources and make informed decisions about their asthma care.

To further explore the landscape of healthcare providers in Fairmount City and visualize the distribution of resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the locations of physicians, the availability of specific services, and the overall accessibility of care.