16228, Ford Cliff, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16228, Ford Cliff, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.44 percent of the residents in 16228 has some form of health insurance. 44.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.21 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 16228 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 61 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16228. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 63 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 617 health care providers accessible to residents in 16228, Ford Cliff, Pennsylvania.

Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16228 & Primary Care Availability in Ford Cliff

This analysis assesses the accessibility and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 16228, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians in the nearby community of Ford Cliff. The evaluation considers factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Ford Cliff, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and preventative care. A low physician-to-patient ratio in the area signifies a potential bottleneck in access. Conversely, a higher ratio, while seemingly positive, may indicate a lack of specialization or dedicated focus on chronic conditions like asthma. The ideal scenario involves a balance, with sufficient primary care providers to meet the general health needs of the population, coupled with specialists who can manage complex asthma cases.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing in Ford Cliff and the surrounding areas, specifically within a reasonable commuting distance for residents of 16228. This data must be compared to the population size of both Ford Cliff and the broader service area. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide population figures. Physician counts can be obtained from medical directories, insurance provider networks, and professional organizations.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care provided by these physicians is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. This involves examining factors such as the providers’ experience in treating asthma, their adherence to national guidelines (such as those from the National Institutes of Health), and the patient satisfaction levels. Reviews from patients, available on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, can offer insights into patient experiences. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoting asthma education or offering comprehensive asthma action plans, should be recognized for their commitment to patient care.

Telemedicine adoption has significantly altered healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating regular check-ins, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring. The presence of telemedicine capabilities within primary care practices in Ford Cliff and the surrounding area is a critical indicator of accessibility and convenience. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (like peak flow meters that transmit data), and online patient portals are better equipped to support asthma patients. The availability of these services can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, contacting the practices directly, or examining insurance provider networks.

The intricate connection between asthma and mental health is often overlooked. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and these mental health conditions can, in turn, exacerbate asthma symptoms. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore essential for holistic asthma management. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, referrals to mental health professionals, or access to educational materials on managing stress and anxiety are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. Examining the practice's website, brochures, or speaking with staff can help determine the availability of these resources.

The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the population residing in ZIP code 16228. This might involve understanding the demographics of the area, including age distribution, socioeconomic status, and any specific environmental factors that could contribute to asthma prevalence. Analyzing the prevalence of asthma in the area, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Pennsylvania Department of Health, provides a crucial baseline for assessing the need for asthma care resources.

The analysis should also consider the availability of resources beyond primary care. This includes access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, who can provide more specialized asthma care. The proximity of hospitals and emergency rooms equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is also important. The availability of pharmacies that carry asthma medications and offer support services, such as medication counseling, is another crucial factor.

In order to provide a more comprehensive assessment, the analysis should also consider the availability of asthma education programs. These programs can empower patients to better manage their condition by providing information on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques. The presence of these programs in the area, whether offered by primary care practices, hospitals, or community organizations, is a positive indicator of the quality of asthma care.

Finally, the analysis should evaluate the overall affordability of asthma care in the area. This includes considering the cost of physician visits, medications, and other related expenses. The availability of insurance coverage, including government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, is a key factor in determining affordability. The analysis should also consider the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are unable to afford the cost of their care.

The Asthma Score would be a composite metric, incorporating all of the above factors. It would be a numerical representation of the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area, allowing for a comparative assessment of different locations. The score would be based on a weighted average of the various factors, with each factor assigned a weight based on its relative importance.

This analysis, however, provides a framework. To visualize the data and gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform this data into interactive visualizations, allowing you to explore physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics in a spatially relevant context. CartoChrome maps can highlight areas with limited access to care and pinpoint the location of standout practices, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare.