16402, Bear Lake, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16402, Bear Lake, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.93 percent of the residents in 16402 has some form of health insurance. 35.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.99 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 16402 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 148 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16402. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 176 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 277 health care providers accessible to residents in 16402, Bear Lake, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16402 & Primary Care in Bear Lake

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 16402 and the primary care landscape in Bear Lake, Pennsylvania, assessing available resources, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a practical call to action.

ZIP code 16402, encompassing areas around Corry, Pennsylvania, presents a unique healthcare environment. The primary challenge is often geographical. Rural areas frequently face limitations in specialist availability, which directly impacts asthma care. While the exact number of physicians specializing in pulmonology or allergy within the immediate boundaries of 16402 requires specific data acquisition, it is reasonable to assume a scarcity compared to more urban centers. This necessitates an examination of primary care providers (PCPs) and their capacity to manage asthma effectively.

Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Accurate physician-to-patient ratios for 16402 demand data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or similar sources. However, based on general trends in rural areas, it is likely the ratio presents a challenge. This underscores the importance of maximizing the efficiency of existing primary care resources.

Assessing primary care availability in Bear Lake, a smaller community within the broader region, requires a deeper dive. Bear Lake’s remoteness potentially exacerbates access issues. The proximity to other healthcare hubs, like Corry or Warren, influences the choices of residents. Analyzing the number of PCPs serving Bear Lake specifically, alongside their patient load, is crucial. The availability of after-hours or weekend care is another important factor, particularly for asthma patients who may experience sudden exacerbations.

Standout practices within the 16402 area should be identified. This involves evaluating clinics and individual physicians based on criteria such as: patient reviews, asthma-specific training, use of evidence-based guidelines, and integration of patient education programs. Practices actively promoting asthma action plans, providing comprehensive inhaler technique training, and offering readily available asthma medications are more likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Identifying these exemplary practices serves as a benchmark and highlights best practices for other providers.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists or receive follow-up care remotely. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in 16402, and specifically in Bear Lake, is crucial. Do providers offer virtual consultations for asthma management? Do they utilize remote monitoring tools to track patient symptoms and medication adherence? Practices embracing telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are essential. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric support, within the primary care setting or through referrals, is an important component of comprehensive asthma care. Evaluating the integration of mental health services within the 16402 healthcare system is critical.

The assessment should also consider the availability of community resources. Asthma support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications all contribute to better asthma control. The presence of these resources in the 16402 area and Bear Lake specifically should be examined. Partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations can enhance patient support networks.

The analysis should also consider insurance coverage. The type of insurance accepted by local providers, and the cost of medications, are important factors influencing access to care. High medication costs, or limited insurance coverage, can create barriers to adherence to treatment plans.

Analyzing the data, a comprehensive asthma score can be derived. This score, ideally, would be based on a weighted system, considering the factors discussed: physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, community resources, and insurance coverage. A higher score would indicate better access to quality asthma care. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement.

Data collection is key to a successful analysis. This includes surveying local providers, reviewing patient records (with appropriate privacy protections), and gathering information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare access and availability.

The analysis should culminate in actionable recommendations. These recommendations may include: advocating for increased specialist availability, promoting telemedicine adoption, enhancing mental health integration, and supporting community-based asthma education programs. The recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs of the 16402 area and Bear Lake.

Ultimately, understanding the healthcare landscape of ZIP code 16402 and primary care in Bear Lake, with a focus on asthma management, is a dynamic process. The healthcare environment is constantly evolving, and regular assessments are necessary to ensure patients receive the best possible care.

To visualize this complex data and gain a clearer understanding of the healthcare landscape in 16402 and Bear Lake, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you identify healthcare gaps, visualize physician distribution, and track the impact of interventions. Utilize CartoChrome to transform raw data into actionable insights, supporting better healthcare planning and improved patient outcomes.