16262, Worthington, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16262, Worthington, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 16262 has some form of health insurance. 36.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.31 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 16262 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 484 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16262. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 589 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 272 health care providers accessible to residents in 16262, Worthington, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Worthington, PA (ZIP Code 16262)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Worthington, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16262) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care physicians, their practices, and their resources, particularly in relation to asthma management. We will explore physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment for the community.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible primary care. In Worthington, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often face challenges in this regard. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments for asthma sufferers. Assessing the current ratio requires data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and potentially local hospital systems. This data is essential to establish a baseline and understand the capacity of the existing healthcare infrastructure.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key aspects. First, the presence of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists is a significant advantage. These specialists possess advanced expertise in asthma diagnosis and management. Their availability, whether directly within a primary care setting or through referral networks, greatly impacts the quality of care. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education are crucial. Asthma education, including proper inhaler technique, trigger identification, and action plan development, is fundamental to effective self-management. Practices that offer readily accessible educational materials and individualized support are highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, can significantly improve asthma care access, especially in rural communities like Worthington. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring without the need for travel. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering secure video consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive asthma management. Evaluating the availability and user-friendliness of these platforms is crucial for assessing their impact.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a vital component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, either directly or through referral networks, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Assessing the availability of therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists specializing in chronic illness management is essential for a comprehensive asthma score. The presence of support groups or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma further enhances the overall score.

Beyond these core elements, other factors contribute to the overall 'Asthma Score.' The availability of after-hours care is important. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and access to prompt medical attention is essential. Practices that offer extended hours, on-call physicians, or affiliations with urgent care centers improve the accessibility of care. Additionally, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial for efficient information sharing and care coordination. EHRs enable physicians to access patient history, medication lists, and test results quickly, facilitating informed decision-making. The interoperability of EHR systems, allowing seamless data exchange between different healthcare providers, is also a significant advantage.

Furthermore, the responsiveness of practices to patient feedback is a key indicator of quality. Practices that actively solicit patient input through surveys, feedback forms, or patient advisory councils demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. Analyzing patient satisfaction scores and reviews provides valuable insights into the patient experience and the effectiveness of care delivery. The overall 'Asthma Score' for Worthington will be determined by a weighted average of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratios will be weighted heavily, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. The presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other factors will be weighted accordingly, based on their impact on asthma management outcomes.

The final score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the community. It will serve as a valuable tool for patients seeking care, healthcare providers aiming to improve their services, and policymakers seeking to address healthcare disparities. The analysis will also identify areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine adoption, and strengthening mental health integration. By continuously monitoring and evaluating these factors, the community can strive to provide the best possible care for individuals living with asthma.

This analysis is a snapshot, and ongoing monitoring is essential. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, with changes in physician availability, technological advancements, and evolving best practices. Regular updates to the 'Asthma Score' are necessary to ensure its accuracy and relevance. The information gathered will be useful for patients, providers, and policymakers.

To visualize and understand the geographical distribution of these resources and the overall 'Asthma Score' across Worthington and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.