16245, Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16245, Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.72 percent of the residents in 16245 has some form of health insurance. 36.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.70 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 16245 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 64 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16245. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 58 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 872 health care providers accessible to residents in 16245, Oak Ridge, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, necessitating accessible and effective healthcare. This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 16245, focusing on physician availability, primary care accessibility in Oak Ridge, and related resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP Code 16245 is a crucial indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatments for asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests greater accessibility. Determining the exact ratio requires data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, cross-referenced with physician directories and practice affiliations. This data reveals the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists serving the area and the estimated population they serve.

Primary care availability in Oak Ridge is another critical factor. PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma management, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing care. The geographic distribution of these practices within Oak Ridge is important. Are they concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Factors like public transportation access, proximity to pharmacies, and the availability of after-hours care also influence accessibility. An assessment of the physical infrastructure of these practices, including wheelchair accessibility and multilingual support, is also essential.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 16245 can be identified by analyzing patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and examining their adoption of best practices in asthma management. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer comprehensive diagnostic testing, and provide personalized treatment plans are likely to be highly regarded. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient communication, including clear explanations of treatment options and readily available support, tend to achieve better outcomes. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers are also important.

Telemedicine adoption is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, medication management, and patient education. The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors such as the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows. The adoption of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data directly to the physician, can further enhance asthma management.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as integral to asthma care. Asthma can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma management programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This integration can take various forms, including on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, and educational materials on stress management techniques. The availability of support groups and peer-to-peer networks can also provide valuable emotional support for patients.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP Code 16245 must also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and exposure to environmental pollutants can all worsen asthma symptoms. Practices that are aware of these social determinants of health and actively work to address them, such as by providing resources for food assistance or advocating for cleaner air, are likely to be more effective in managing asthma. This includes partnerships with community organizations and public health initiatives.

Assessing the quality of asthma care requires an examination of patient outcomes. This includes tracking metrics such as asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. Practices that demonstrate a reduction in these adverse events are likely to be providing high-quality care. The use of standardized asthma action plans and regular follow-up appointments are also essential for ensuring optimal asthma control.

The data analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by the physicians in ZIP Code 16245. Asthma prevalence varies across different age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic strata. Practices that tailor their care to the specific needs of their patient population are likely to be more effective. This includes providing culturally sensitive care and addressing language barriers.

The availability of asthma medications, including both rescue inhalers and long-term control medications, is another critical factor. Practices should ensure that patients have access to affordable medications and that they are educated on proper medication use. The use of medication adherence programs can also help improve asthma control.

Finally, the analysis should consider the role of patient education. Practices that provide comprehensive asthma education, including information on triggers, symptoms, and medication management, are likely to empower patients to take an active role in their care. This education should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and learning style.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 16245 and Oak Ridge, including physician locations, access to primary care, and the distribution of resources, explore the dynamic and interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Gain insights into the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and environmental factors.