16317, Cooperstown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16317, Cooperstown, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.98 percent of the residents in 16317 has some form of health insurance. 48.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.54 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 16317 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 295 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16317. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 310 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,772 health care providers accessible to residents in 16317, Cooperstown, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16317 and Primary Care Availability in Cooperstown**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Cooperstown, New York, specifically within ZIP code 16317, with a particular focus on asthma management. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors beyond simple physician counts, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. While publicly available data provides overall population figures for ZIP code 16317 and Cooperstown, obtaining a precise count of actively practicing PCPs requires deeper investigation. This involves cross-referencing directories, verifying physician affiliations with hospitals and clinics, and potentially contacting local healthcare providers directly. An ideal physician-to-patient ratio would be lower, indicating better access. However, it is important to understand the existing ratio and how it compares to regional and national averages.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly impact asthma care. Are the practices accepting new patients? What are the wait times for appointments, both for routine checkups and urgent needs? Do the practices offer extended hours or weekend availability? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, crucial for asthma diagnosis and monitoring? Furthermore, the practice’s approach to asthma management is critical. Does the practice employ certified asthma educators? Do they provide patients with personalized asthma action plans? Do they have established protocols for managing asthma exacerbations? These elements directly influence the "Asthma Score."

Identifying standout practices within 16317 and Cooperstown requires a deeper dive into their operations. This involves reviewing patient reviews, if available, and assessing their commitment to asthma-specific care. Practices that have a strong track record of asthma control, as indicated by patient outcomes and adherence to national guidelines, would receive higher marks. This could include practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma or that have a dedicated asthma program.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor influencing the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma patients, particularly those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that embrace telemedicine, especially for asthma follow-up appointments and education, will receive higher marks.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is another critical aspect of asthma management. Asthma and mental health are often interconnected. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will receive higher scores. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both their physical and mental well-being.

The availability of specialized asthma care is also important. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is crucial for patients with complex or severe asthma. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral from PCPs are essential factors. Practices that have strong relationships with specialists and facilitate timely referrals will contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

Evaluating the "Asthma Score" also requires considering the overall healthcare infrastructure in Cooperstown. This includes the presence of a local hospital, emergency services, and pharmacies. The availability of these resources ensures that patients have access to timely and appropriate care when needed. The existence of community support groups or educational programs for asthma patients would also enhance the score.

The overall "Asthma Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the cumulative impact of these various factors. It is a dynamic assessment, subject to change based on evolving healthcare practices, technological advancements, and patient needs. A comprehensive analysis would involve a detailed review of all relevant data points, including physician demographics, practice characteristics, patient outcomes, and community resources.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors affecting the population of 16317. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage, and access to transportation can significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes. Understanding these factors is crucial for a fair and accurate assessment.

The data gathering process will inevitably involve some level of estimation. Publicly available data may be incomplete or outdated, and accessing certain information may be challenging. However, by utilizing a variety of sources and employing a rigorous methodology, a reasonable assessment can be achieved.

The final "Asthma Score" will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It provides a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It can be used to identify areas for improvement, guide resource allocation, and promote better asthma care.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Cooperstown, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic platform for visualizing physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points. By using such tools, you can overlay data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation. Visit CartoChrome maps to explore the possibilities.