16344, Rouseville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16344, Rouseville, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.74 percent of the residents in 16344 has some form of health insurance. 60.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.49 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 16344 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 143 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16344. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 57 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 985 health care providers accessible to residents in 16344, Rouseville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Rouseville, PA (ZIP Code 16344)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 16344, specifically focusing on Rouseville, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in an Asthma Score, providing a relative understanding of the community's preparedness to manage asthma effectively.

Rouseville, a small community in Venango County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to limited access to specialized medical care, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. The Asthma Score, therefore, will reflect the ability of the local healthcare infrastructure to address these challenges.

**Primary Care Availability:**

The cornerstone of asthma management is consistent and accessible primary care. In Rouseville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. The number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, or in immediately adjacent areas, directly impacts the ease with which residents can access routine checkups, medication refills, and asthma action plan development. We must investigate the average wait times for appointments, the acceptance of new patients, and the breadth of services offered by the available PCPs. Are they equipped to handle asthma exacerbations, or do they rely on referrals to specialists?

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment. Data on the population of Rouseville and the number of practicing PCPs will be essential to determine this ratio. We also need to consider the age distribution of the population, as children and the elderly are often more vulnerable to asthma complications. A higher proportion of these demographics could necessitate a greater availability of primary care resources.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. We will look for practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This includes practices that have implemented comprehensive asthma action plans, offer patient education programs, and utilize evidence-based treatment guidelines. Are there any practices that have earned recognition for their asthma care, or that participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma management? Examining patient satisfaction scores, if available, can also offer insights into the quality of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a significant opportunity to improve access to care in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can enhance asthma management by facilitating remote consultations, medication management, and patient education. We need to assess the extent to which local PCPs utilize telemedicine platforms for asthma-related care. Do they offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits? Can patients use telemedicine to manage their prescriptions or access educational resources? The presence of readily available telemedicine options can significantly improve the Asthma Score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Asthma is often associated with anxiety and depression, which can worsen asthma symptoms and impact quality of life. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is crucial. We will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Do local PCPs screen patients for mental health conditions? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The integration of mental health services can positively impact the Asthma Score.

**Asthma Score Calculation:**

The Asthma Score will be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, primary care availability and physician-to-patient ratios might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, though all factors are important. The score will be calculated using a standardized methodology, allowing for comparison with other communities. The final score will range from a low value, indicating poor asthma care resources, to a high value, representing a well-equipped community.

**Specifics in Rouseville:**

To generate the Asthma Score for Rouseville, we need to gather specific data. This includes:

* **Number of PCPs:** The exact number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 16344, or within a reasonable radius.
* **Appointment Wait Times:** Average wait times for appointments with local PCPs.
* **Telemedicine Availability:** The availability of telemedicine services for asthma management.
* **Mental Health Services:** The availability of mental health professionals and resources.
* **Patient Education:** The availability of asthma education programs.
* **Asthma Action Plans:** The use of asthma action plans by local practices.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, if available.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**

Rouseville faces the challenge of providing adequate asthma care in a rural setting with potentially limited resources. However, there are opportunities to improve the Asthma Score. Increased telemedicine adoption, collaboration between PCPs and specialists, and the integration of mental health services can all contribute to better asthma management.

**Conclusion:**

The Asthma Score for Rouseville will reflect the community's ability to provide effective asthma care. It will highlight areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This analysis will provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents, enabling them to work collaboratively to improve asthma outcomes in Rouseville.

To further visualize the healthcare landscape of Rouseville and the surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a comprehensive and interactive way to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in access.