16353, Tionesta, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16353, Tionesta, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.80 percent of the residents in 16353 has some form of health insurance. 51.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.56 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 16353 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 303 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16353. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 883 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 500 health care providers accessible to residents in 16353, Tionesta, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Tionesta, PA (ZIP Code 16353)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Tionesta, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16353) requires a multi-faceted approach. We will examine the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, evaluate the adoption of telemedicine, and investigate the availability of mental health resources, all factors that contribute to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, for individuals managing asthma.

The foundation of good asthma care lies in access to primary care physicians. In Tionesta, the availability of primary care is a crucial factor. The geographical isolation of the area, coupled with potential shortages of medical professionals, can significantly impact access. Assessing the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, or within a reasonable commuting distance, is the first step. This includes general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists. A low number of available physicians, especially when considering the population size, would negatively affect the Asthma Score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are critical indicators of healthcare access. A high ratio, meaning a large number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care quality. The ideal ratio varies, but a significantly high ratio in Tionesta would indicate potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive asthma management. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, can help determine this ratio.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. This involves looking beyond the raw numbers of physicians. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management, such as those offering specialized asthma education programs, employing certified asthma educators, or utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, would positively influence the Asthma Score. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment would be highly valued. This requires research into individual practice profiles and a review of patient testimonials where available.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas like Tionesta. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to consultations, medication management, and even remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma care, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices, would receive higher marks. The ease of access to technology, including internet connectivity and patient comfort with telehealth platforms, will also be considered in the assessment. The availability of telehealth options can significantly improve the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is a vital component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their asthma management protocols would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The presence of support groups and educational programs on the link between asthma and mental health is also important.

Specific examples within Tionesta are difficult to provide without direct access to proprietary data. However, the methodology remains the same. The Asthma Score would be influenced by factors such as the number of primary care physicians per capita, the existence of practices with specialized asthma care programs, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each of these factors is weighted based on its impact on patient outcomes and access to care.

For instance, a practice with a dedicated asthma educator, offering regular educational sessions, and actively utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments would score higher than a practice with limited resources. Conversely, a community with a significant shortage of primary care physicians, coupled with limited mental health services, would receive a lower Asthma Score. The goal is to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare environment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform patients and healthcare providers.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption would involve identifying practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and online educational resources. The availability of mental health resources would be evaluated by researching the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and educational programs focused on the psychological impact of asthma. The weighting of each factor is crucial, with access to primary care and the availability of specialized asthma care programs carrying significant weight.

The final Asthma Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Tionesta. This score would be useful for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to address healthcare disparities. It's important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available data and general research. A more detailed assessment would require access to specific practice information and patient data.

The challenges of providing healthcare in rural areas like Tionesta are considerable. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. Improving access to primary care, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and integrating mental health services are crucial steps towards improving asthma care and the overall health of the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tionesta and other areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their platform can provide valuable insights into healthcare access, physician distribution, and other relevant data points.