16627, Coalport, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16627, Coalport, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.30 percent of the residents in 16627 has some form of health insurance. 38.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.23 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 16627 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 367 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16627. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 438 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,887 health care providers accessible to residents in 16627, Coalport, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts quality of life, particularly in areas with limited access to quality healthcare. This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 16627 (Coalport, Pennsylvania) and assesses the availability of primary care, a critical component of effective asthma management. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents and identify potential areas for improvement, culminating in a call to action for utilizing advanced mapping tools.

Coalport, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: physician shortages, limited specialist access, and potential transportation barriers. The "Asthma Score" in this context isn't a formal, standardized metric but rather a composite assessment based on the factors influencing asthma care quality and accessibility. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital for comprehensive asthma management.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. In Coalport, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a concern. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, cross-referenced with physician directories. A low ratio necessitates creative solutions, such as leveraging telehealth and expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care provided by primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This assessment considers factors like the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of asthma action plans. Patient reviews, if available, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall patient experience. A practice that consistently demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including regular monitoring, medication management, and patient education, would be considered a standout. This requires a deep dive into the practices, looking at their patient load, specialization, and the use of technology.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices in and around Coalport offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use for patients. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine and integrate it seamlessly into their asthma care protocols would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is essential. Assessing this involves determining the presence of mental health professionals within the practices, the referral pathways for patients needing mental health support, and the availability of educational materials on the link between asthma and mental health. Practices that prioritize mental health integration would be considered more comprehensive in their approach.

Primary care availability in Coalport is the cornerstone of asthma management. The ability to establish a relationship with a primary care physician is vital for early diagnosis, ongoing management, and timely intervention during asthma exacerbations. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of new patients. The presence of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics is also a factor. A robust primary care infrastructure, with readily accessible physicians, is essential for a positive "Asthma Score."

The overall "Asthma Score" for Coalport would be a composite of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources would negatively impact the score. Conversely, the presence of standout practices, robust telemedicine integration, and readily available mental health services would improve the score. The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care.

The analysis of Coalport's asthma care landscape reveals potential vulnerabilities. The small size of the community, coupled with the potential for limited resources, necessitates a proactive approach to improving asthma care. This includes advocating for increased physician recruitment, expanding telehealth services, and integrating mental health support into primary care practices. Community-based initiatives, such as asthma education programs and support groups, can also play a crucial role in empowering patients and improving asthma outcomes.

The challenges faced by Coalport in providing comprehensive asthma care highlight the importance of data-driven decision-making and strategic resource allocation. Understanding the existing healthcare infrastructure and identifying areas for improvement requires a clear visualization of the available resources and the needs of the community. This is where advanced mapping tools, like those offered by CartoChrome, can provide invaluable assistance.

CartoChrome maps offer the ability to visualize healthcare data, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of physician locations, healthcare facility accessibility, and patient demographics. These maps can be used to identify areas with limited access to care, assess the impact of telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions. By leveraging the power of CartoChrome maps, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations can gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in Coalport and develop targeted strategies to improve patient outcomes.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Coalport and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare data and making informed decisions to improve asthma care in the community. Accessing this information can help you understand the true picture of healthcare accessibility in Coalport.