16350, Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16350, Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.29 percent of the residents in 16350 has some form of health insurance. 36.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.35 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 16350 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 666 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16350. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 426 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 527 health care providers accessible to residents in 16350, Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on evaluating the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 16350, encompassing Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, with a specific emphasis on primary care availability and its impact on asthma management. This assessment will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of exemplary medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial factors in providing comprehensive care for individuals with asthma.

Sugar Grove, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas regarding healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments for asthma sufferers. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be necessary to determine the exact ratio for 16350. This data would then be compared to state and national averages to assess the relative availability of primary care physicians. The analysis would consider both general practitioners and internal medicine specialists, as both play vital roles in asthma management.

The presence of standout medical practices is another key element. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, incorporating best practices for asthma management. This includes adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Features to look for include: dedicated asthma education programs for patients and families, readily available peak flow meters and inhalers, and a proactive approach to identifying and managing asthma triggers in the patient's environment. Practices with certified asthma educators on staff would be highly valued, as these professionals can provide specialized guidance and support.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. Practices that offer telemedicine services can improve access to care, reduce the need for travel, and enhance patient convenience. The analysis would investigate the availability of telemedicine options within the primary care practices in 16350, considering the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access for patients.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common among individuals with asthma, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis would investigate the presence of mental health providers (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the primary care practices or in the broader community of Sugar Grove. Ideally, these practices would have integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks to ensure patients have access to the support they need.

The assessment of asthma care in 16350 would also consider the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma management, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require referral to specialists. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists would be factored into the overall evaluation.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) by primary care practices. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate communication between providers, and enable better tracking of patient data, including asthma symptoms, medication adherence, and environmental triggers. Practices with robust EHR systems are better equipped to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.

The availability of patient education materials and resources is another key factor. Asthma education empowers patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that provide educational materials, such as pamphlets, videos, and online resources, can improve patient knowledge and self-management skills. The analysis would assess the availability and quality of these resources.

Finally, the analysis would consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma management. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can all create barriers to care. The analysis would consider the prevalence of these factors in Sugar Grove and assess the efforts of primary care practices to address these challenges, such as offering financial assistance programs or partnering with community organizations.

In conclusion, the asthma care landscape in Sugar Grove, ZIP code 16350, is likely influenced by its rural setting. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of exemplary practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other factors to provide a comprehensive evaluation. This will help to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system and inform strategies to improve asthma care for the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sugar Grove, including the location of primary care practices, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, explore CartoChrome maps.