16255, Sligo, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16255, Sligo, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.98 percent of the residents in 16255 has some form of health insurance. 38.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.55 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 16255 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 385 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16255. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 354 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 438 health care providers accessible to residents in 16255, Sligo, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below explores asthma care and primary care accessibility within the ZIP code 16255, encompassing Sligo, Pennsylvania. It aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, assessing the availability and quality of care, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. This evaluation is designed to offer insights into the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Sligo, the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists relative to the population size significantly impacts the "Asthma Score." A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally leads to a higher score, as it suggests easier access to appointments and specialized care. Conversely, a lower ratio may indicate longer wait times, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up appointments, all negatively impacting asthma management. Data from state medical boards and local hospital systems would be crucial to determining these ratios accurately.

Standout practices in Sligo would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that provide: (1) comprehensive diagnostic testing, such as spirometry and allergy testing; (2) personalized asthma action plans; (3) patient education on medication use and environmental control measures; and (4) regular follow-up appointments to monitor asthma control. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control guidelines, would also be viewed favorably. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice would be a significant positive factor, boosting the "Asthma Score."

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and virtual asthma education sessions would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It also allows for more frequent monitoring and early intervention, potentially preventing asthma exacerbations. The availability of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of these data streams into a patient's electronic health record, would further enhance the "Asthma Score."

Mental health resources are critical for asthma patients. Asthma can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and the chronic nature of the disease can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists would receive a higher score. Integration of mental health services into asthma care is essential for holistic patient management. This could include collaborative care models where primary care physicians and mental health professionals work together to manage patients' needs.

The "Asthma Score" would also consider the availability of emergency care resources in the area. The proximity to hospitals with 24/7 emergency departments and specialized respiratory care units is a vital factor. Rapid access to emergency care is crucial for managing severe asthma exacerbations. The presence of ambulances equipped to handle respiratory emergencies would also be considered. The score would reflect the overall responsiveness of the local healthcare system to asthma-related emergencies.

Specific practices would be evaluated based on their commitment to evidence-based asthma management. This includes adherence to national asthma guidelines, the use of standardized asthma questionnaires to assess control, and the documentation of patient outcomes. Practices that actively track patient outcomes and use this data to improve their care processes would be recognized. The ability to demonstrate improved asthma control rates, reduced hospitalizations, and decreased emergency room visits would significantly enhance a practice's "Asthma Score."

The analysis would also examine the availability of asthma-related community resources. This includes support groups for asthma patients and their families, educational programs offered by local health organizations, and access to affordable asthma medications. A strong network of community resources can empower patients to manage their asthma effectively and improve their quality of life. The presence of these resources would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

The "Asthma Score" is not just a numerical ranking; it is a holistic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients in Sligo. It considers not only the availability of medical professionals but also the quality of care, the integration of technology, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of community support. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate picture of the healthcare landscape and helps patients make informed decisions about their care.

This analysis would involve a thorough review of publicly available data, including information from state medical boards, hospital websites, and insurance provider directories. Patient reviews and testimonials would also be considered, providing valuable insights into the patient experience. The data would be analyzed using a scoring rubric that assigns points based on various factors, such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The final "Asthma Score" would be a composite score reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Sligo.

The final "Asthma Score" would provide a valuable resource for individuals with asthma, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help patients identify practices that offer high-quality asthma care, inform healthcare providers about areas for improvement, and guide policymakers in developing strategies to enhance asthma care in the community. The score is a dynamic measure that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

For a detailed visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping capabilities provide a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Sligo and beyond.