16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.77 percent of the residents in 16254 has some form of health insurance. 40.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.49 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 16254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 831 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16254. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 671 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Shippenville, PA (ZIP Code 16254)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Shippenville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16254) requires a nuanced understanding of asthma management resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors like physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all crucial for effective asthma care. The goal is to offer insights for residents and healthcare providers alike.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is the first step. A low ratio can indicate limited access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, less frequent check-ups, and inadequate asthma control. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from the American Medical Association, can help determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists practicing within or serving the Shippenville area. This data, when compared to the population of 16254, yields a physician-to-patient ratio. A favorable ratio, indicating greater access, would positively influence the "Asthma Score." Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs and pulmonologists would negatively impact the score, highlighting a potential barrier to optimal asthma management.

Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating practices based on their commitment to asthma care. Key indicators include the availability of certified asthma educators (CAEs), the implementation of evidence-based asthma management guidelines (e.g., those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient outcomes and medication adherence. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing asthma exacerbations or improving patient satisfaction, should be recognized. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, provide valuable insights into patient experiences, further informing the assessment. Practices demonstrating these characteristics would receive a higher "Asthma Score" rating.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role in healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Shippenville. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialist consultations. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for asthma follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education, deserve recognition. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, further enhances the telemedicine experience. Practices embracing telemedicine would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to expanding access to care.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Assessing the availability of mental health services within the Shippenville area is therefore vital. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are either directly affiliated with primary care practices or readily accessible through referral networks. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues in asthma patients, and have established referral pathways to mental health specialists, should be highly regarded. The integration of mental health services into asthma care positively impacts the "Asthma Score," reflecting a holistic approach to patient well-being.

The "Asthma Score" for Shippenville would be a composite measure, incorporating the factors discussed. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for asthma management, reflecting greater access to care, higher-quality practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, highlighting potential gaps in care and the need for targeted interventions.

Specific practices within 16254 would be evaluated and ranked based on the criteria. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, employing CAEs, offering telemedicine, and integrating mental health services would receive a significantly higher score than a practice with limited resources.

The availability of primary care in Shippenville is a crucial factor. The presence of a robust primary care infrastructure is the foundation of asthma management. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing care. The number of PCPs practicing in the area, their willingness to manage asthma patients, and their collaboration with pulmonologists all influence the overall "Asthma Score." A well-established primary care network would significantly enhance the score.

The analysis would also consider the availability of specialist care. While PCPs provide essential care, pulmonologists, who specialize in lung diseases, are crucial for managing complex asthma cases. The proximity of pulmonologists, their willingness to accept referrals from Shippenville PCPs, and the efficiency of the referral process all influence the "Asthma Score." Easy access to specialist care ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of expertise when needed.

In conclusion, assessing the "Asthma Score" for Shippenville, PA (ZIP code 16254) requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This assessment provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in asthma management. The ultimate goal is to empower residents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions that improve asthma outcomes.

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