16347, Sheffield, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16347, Sheffield, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.89 percent of the residents in 16347 has some form of health insurance. 42.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.87 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 16347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 383 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16347. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 412 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 456 health care providers accessible to residents in 16347, Sheffield, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below offers an assessment of asthma care within ZIP code 16347, focusing on Sheffield, Pennsylvania, and its primary care resources. The goal is to evaluate the availability and quality of care for asthma sufferers, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support. This assessment is designed to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for those managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Sheffield, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can create access challenges, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and increased emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, proactive medication adjustments, and patient education. Determining the exact ratio for this specific ZIP code requires publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, coupled with physician directories. This data will help establish a baseline understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices in Sheffield play a significant role. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they have extended hours or weekend availability? Do they offer specialized asthma care or have staff trained in asthma management? Practices with dedicated asthma educators or nurses can significantly improve patient outcomes by providing tailored education on triggers, medication adherence, and inhaler techniques. The presence of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is also crucial for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring. The availability of these resources directly impacts the quality of care and the ability of patients to effectively manage their condition.

Telemedicine is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring. In the context of Sheffield, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or have limited transportation options. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in the area is a key indicator of accessibility and innovation. Practices that embrace telemedicine often demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care management. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including video consultations, remote monitoring devices, and online patient portals, is essential for a complete asthma care evaluation.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their asthma care plans demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. This integration may include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, or the use of screening tools to identify patients who may benefit from mental health support. The availability of these resources is an important factor in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life for asthma sufferers.

Identifying standout practices in Sheffield requires a closer look at their specific offerings. Are there practices that have earned recognition for asthma care, such as those certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Do any practices actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives? Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive care, and embrace innovative technologies are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Researching patient reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into the experiences of asthma patients in the area.

To accurately assess the asthma care landscape, we need to delve deeper into the specifics of each practice. This involves investigating their staffing models, the types of insurance they accept, and their billing practices. The level of health literacy within the community is also a factor. Practices that proactively address health literacy challenges by providing educational materials in multiple languages or offering culturally sensitive care are more likely to serve their patients effectively. The availability of these resources is a crucial factor in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life for asthma sufferers.

The assessment should also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors. Asthma disproportionately affects low-income communities, and patients in these communities may face additional barriers to care, such as lack of insurance, limited access to transportation, and inadequate housing conditions. Practices that are committed to serving underserved populations and addressing social determinants of health are essential for ensuring equitable asthma care. Understanding the demographics of the patient population and tailoring care to meet their specific needs is crucial.

Furthermore, the analysis should incorporate data on asthma prevalence rates in the area. Public health data can provide insights into the burden of asthma in Sheffield and help identify areas where targeted interventions are needed. This data can also be used to track trends in asthma prevalence over time and assess the effectiveness of asthma care initiatives. The availability of this data is a crucial factor in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life for asthma sufferers.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, requires a comprehensive approach. It necessitates examining physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure, we can identify opportunities to improve asthma care and enhance the quality of life for asthma sufferers in the community. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the complexities of asthma care in a specific geographic area.

For a visual representation of the data and a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, consider exploring the area using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points.