16619, Blandburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16619, Blandburg, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.10 percent of the residents in 16619 has some form of health insurance. 23.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.87 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 16619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 85 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16619. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 44 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,261 health care providers accessible to residents in 16619, Blandburg, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Blandburg, PA (ZIP Code 16619)

This analysis provides an "Asthma Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 16619 ZIP code, focusing on their capacity to manage asthma patients. This score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all within the context of primary care availability in Blandburg. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers and their families.

Blandburg, a small community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers compared to urban centers. This scarcity directly impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, a crucial metric for assessing the workload and availability of PCPs. A high ratio (more patients per physician) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care quality, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma that require regular monitoring and management.

The quality of asthma care within the 16619 ZIP code hinges on the availability of PCPs with specific expertise in asthma management. While all PCPs are trained to provide basic care, the presence of physicians with a demonstrable interest and experience in asthma, perhaps through continuing medical education or specialized certifications, is a significant advantage. These physicians are more likely to stay abreast of the latest treatment guidelines and offer more comprehensive care, including advanced diagnostic testing and tailored treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Blandburg. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and asthma education sessions, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and improving patient convenience. The availability of telemedicine services, including the types of platforms used (e.g., secure video conferencing, remote monitoring devices), and their integration into the overall asthma management plan, will influence the score.

The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is becoming increasingly recognized as essential. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. PCPs who proactively screen for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources, including the ease of access and the integration of mental health support into the asthma management plan, will be a key factor in evaluating the overall Asthma Score.

Specific practices within the 16619 ZIP code will be evaluated based on the factors mentioned above. This assessment will not name specific practices, but rather outline the general considerations. For example, a practice with a lower physician-to-patient ratio, indicating greater availability, would receive a higher score. A practice that actively utilizes telemedicine for asthma follow-up appointments and medication refills would also receive a favorable rating. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to mental health integration, such as offering on-site counseling or having established referral networks, will be viewed favorably.

The availability of specialized asthma care, beyond the scope of a general PCP, is also considered. This could include access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) or allergists (specialists in allergies) who can provide more advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options. The distance to these specialists and the ease of referral from local PCPs will be factored into the overall score.

The Asthma Score is not a static measure but rather a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. It is essential to understand that this analysis is based on publicly available information and may not capture every nuance of each practice. However, it provides a valuable framework for understanding the quality of asthma care within the 16619 ZIP code.

The analysis also considers the broader context of primary care availability in Blandburg. The overall number of PCPs in the area, their distribution across different practices, and the availability of after-hours care are all relevant factors. A community with a robust primary care infrastructure is more likely to provide comprehensive and accessible asthma care.

The evaluation of telemedicine adoption will consider the types of services offered. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and the use of patient portals for communication and medication management. Practices that offer a comprehensive suite of telemedicine services will receive a higher score.

Mental health integration will be evaluated based on the availability of on-site counseling services, the presence of mental health professionals within the practice, and the ease of referral to external mental health providers. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and integrate mental health support into the asthma management plan will be viewed favorably.

The final Asthma Score will be a composite measure, taking into account all the factors discussed above. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of asthma care available to residents of the 16619 ZIP code. The score will not be a single number, but rather a qualitative assessment that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

This analysis is designed to empower patients with information about their healthcare options. It is important to note that this assessment is not a substitute for a personal consultation with a healthcare provider. Patients should always discuss their individual needs and concerns with their doctor.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Blandburg, including the location of medical facilities and the availability of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare providers and other relevant data.