16246, Plumville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16246, Plumville, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.43 percent of the residents in 16246 has some form of health insurance. 58.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.29 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 16246 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 71 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16246. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 40 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 16246, Plumville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Plumville, PA (ZIP Code 16246)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of asthma care within Plumville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16246), focusing on primary care resources and their capacity to manage asthma patients. We will evaluate factors impacting asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Plumville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, signifying fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. Precise data on this ratio requires granular analysis of physician demographics and patient populations within the ZIP code. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be necessary to accurately determine this. The ratio directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely diagnoses, medication adjustments, and regular check-ups, all essential for effective asthma control.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are important. We need to identify standout practices within Plumville. These practices would ideally demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management. This includes implementing evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, offering patient education programs, and employing certified asthma educators. Practices that consistently achieve positive patient outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to asthma, deserve recognition. Identifying these practices requires reviewing patient reviews, analyzing health outcomes data (if available), and potentially surveying local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve asthma care, especially in rural areas like Plumville where geographical barriers can limit access to specialists. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer convenient follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education sessions. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with poorly controlled asthma, allowing for more frequent monitoring and intervention. Examining which practices in Plumville currently offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction levels with these services are critical to understanding the impact of telemedicine on asthma care.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the integration of mental health resources. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Effective asthma care should address these mental health concerns. Practices that offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as therapists or counselors, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within Plumville, and the degree to which primary care practices integrate these resources into their asthma management plans, is essential. This includes understanding the types of mental health services available, the referral processes used by primary care physicians, and the accessibility of these services for asthma patients.

The quality of asthma care in Plumville is also affected by the availability of specialized services. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is also important, especially for patients with complex or severe asthma. Assessing the proximity of specialists to Plumville, the wait times for appointments, and the types of services offered by these specialists are vital. Collaboration and communication between primary care physicians and specialists are also critical for ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care.

Furthermore, the availability of asthma-related educational materials and resources for patients plays a significant role. Practices that provide patients with information about asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management techniques empower patients to take control of their condition. This includes providing written materials, conducting group education sessions, and utilizing online resources. Assessing the availability and quality of these educational resources is crucial for understanding the overall effectiveness of asthma care in Plumville.

Finally, the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care cannot be ignored. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and inadequate housing can all negatively impact asthma management. Addressing these social determinants of health is essential for ensuring equitable access to quality asthma care. Assessing the prevalence of these factors within Plumville and understanding how primary care practices address these challenges are critical. This might involve connecting patients with social services, providing transportation assistance, or advocating for improved housing conditions.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in Plumville, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, assessing the integration of mental health resources, and considering the impact of socioeconomic factors are all crucial. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area, enabling informed decision-making and facilitating improvements in asthma care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Plumville and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.