16423, Lake City, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16423, Lake City, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.01 percent of the residents in 16423 has some form of health insurance. 41.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.44 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 16423 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,119 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16423. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 666 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 582 health care providers accessible to residents in 16423, Lake City, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lake City, PA (ZIP Code 16423)

Lake City, Pennsylvania, nestled in Erie County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare delivery, particularly regarding asthma management. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 16423, focusing on factors critical to asthma sufferers. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, ultimately crafting an 'Asthma Score' perspective.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. A crucial indicator is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, a general understanding is that a ratio reflecting fewer patients per physician allows for more personalized attention and proactive management of chronic conditions like asthma. National averages often serve as a benchmark. Ideally, Lake City would strive for a ratio that meets or exceeds these standards, ensuring patients can secure timely appointments and consistent follow-up care, both vital for asthma control.

Analyzing the practices within the ZIP code reveals a spectrum of approaches. Some practices may distinguish themselves through specialized asthma clinics, offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing, allergy testing, and patient education programs. These clinics, often integrated within larger primary care settings, represent a significant advantage for asthma patients. Practices demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based asthma guidelines, including regular reviews of inhaler technique and personalized action plans, would also score favorably. Conversely, practices lacking these specialized services or struggling with long wait times could negatively impact the overall asthma score.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, plays an increasingly important role in asthma management. Its adoption within Lake City's primary care practices can significantly impact accessibility. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations for medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and patient education, especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, would contribute positively to the asthma score. Conversely, practices lagging in telemedicine adoption could present barriers to timely and convenient care.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, provide access to therapists and counselors, or have established partnerships with mental health professionals would score higher in this assessment. The absence of such resources could indicate a gap in care, potentially hindering effective asthma management.

Assessing the overall 'Asthma Score' for Lake City requires synthesizing these factors. A high score would reflect a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized asthma clinics, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support. Practices prioritizing patient education, adhering to evidence-based guidelines, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement would also contribute to a higher score. A lower score would indicate challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially leading to poorer asthma control and increased healthcare utilization.

Specific practices within Lake City would need individual evaluation. Identifying practices with strong asthma management programs, including dedicated asthma educators and readily available peak flow meters, would be crucial. Examining patient reviews and satisfaction scores could offer valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided. The presence of bilingual staff, catering to the diverse needs of the community, could also be a significant factor.

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code matters. Are practices evenly distributed, or are there areas with limited access to care? This spatial analysis is essential to understand potential disparities in asthma care access. The availability of public transportation to these practices is another factor, particularly for patients who may not have personal vehicles.

The overall assessment must consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated pulmonary department and access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is vital. The availability of emergency services and the efficiency of the local ambulance service are also critical for managing asthma exacerbations.

In conclusion, evaluating the 'Asthma Score' for Lake City, PA (16423) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice-specific features, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. This comprehensive analysis reveals strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape, ultimately impacting the quality of life for asthma sufferers. A detailed, geographically informed analysis is essential to fully understand the nuances of healthcare access and provision.

For a comprehensive, visually rich understanding of the primary care landscape in Lake City, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility data, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers an interactive platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals, patients, and community stakeholders.