16373, Emlenton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16373, Emlenton, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.71 percent of the residents in 16373 has some form of health insurance. 34.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.36 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 16373 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 639 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16373. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 630 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 726 health care providers accessible to residents in 16373, Emlenton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Emlenton, PA (ZIP Code 16373)

Emlenton, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 16373, presents a unique healthcare landscape when considering asthma management. Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, coupled with specific factors like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, allows for a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment. This analysis aims to evaluate the current state of asthma care accessibility and quality within the community.

One of the primary challenges in assessing asthma care in Emlenton is the relative scarcity of readily available, granular data. Publicly accessible datasets often lack the specificity needed for a precise evaluation of individual practices and their asthma-related services. Therefore, this analysis relies on available data, general healthcare trends, and reasonable assumptions based on the characteristics of a rural community.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. Emlenton, being a rural area, likely faces a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to more urban centers. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially dispersed population. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and challenges in establishing consistent, ongoing care for asthma patients. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly crucial, as they often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma management and provide referrals to specialists when needed.

Primary care availability in Emlenton is a significant factor in determining the overall Asthma Score. The presence of a robust primary care network, including both individual practices and larger multi-specialty clinics, is essential. The quality of primary care, as assessed by factors like patient satisfaction, adherence to asthma guidelines, and the availability of specialized equipment (e.g., spirometry), also contributes significantly to the score. The closer patients are to quality primary care, the better their chances of effective asthma management.

Identifying standout practices within the community is crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management through specialized programs, patient education initiatives, and proactive care coordination deserve recognition. These practices might implement asthma action plans, provide regular follow-up appointments, and actively monitor patients' asthma control. Their success can serve as a model for other practices in the area.

Telemedicine adoption is an increasingly important consideration. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas who may face geographical barriers. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs or pulmonologists can facilitate timely diagnosis, medication adjustments, and ongoing monitoring. The Asthma Score should reflect the extent to which practices in Emlenton have embraced telemedicine and integrated it into their asthma management protocols.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma care, but they are vital. Asthma can have a significant impact on mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The Asthma Score should consider the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the community. Integration of mental health services into asthma management programs can improve patient outcomes.

The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is another crucial factor. While PCPs are often the first line of defense, access to specialists is essential for patients with more complex or uncontrolled asthma. The Asthma Score should reflect the availability of these specialists and the ease with which patients can access their services. Referral pathways and communication between PCPs and specialists are also important considerations.

The Asthma Score should also take into account the availability of asthma education resources. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. The availability of educational materials, such as brochures, online resources, and asthma education classes, can empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition. The quality and accessibility of these resources are essential.

The overall Asthma Score for Emlenton, PA, likely reflects the challenges of a rural community. The score is probably impacted by the lower physician-to-patient ratio, the potential for limited access to specialists, and the need for increased telemedicine adoption. However, the score can be positively influenced by the presence of dedicated primary care practices, the availability of mental health resources, and the implementation of patient education programs.

Continuous monitoring and improvement are essential. The Asthma Score should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This can include tracking the number of physicians in the area, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of specialized services. The goal is to continuously improve the quality and accessibility of asthma care for residents of Emlenton.

Ultimately, improving the Asthma Score for Emlenton requires a multifaceted approach. This includes attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, expanding telemedicine capabilities, strengthening primary care networks, and promoting patient education. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is essential to achieve these goals.

The information presented here is a general overview. A more detailed analysis, utilizing real-time data and geographic mapping, can provide a more precise understanding of asthma care accessibility and quality. To visualize the healthcare landscape of Emlenton and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and potential gaps in care, consider exploring CartoChrome maps.