16630, Cresson, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16630, Cresson, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.29 percent of the residents in 16630 has some form of health insurance. 41.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.24 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 16630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 899 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16630. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,116 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,415 health care providers accessible to residents in 16630, Cresson, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 16630 and Primary Care in Cresson

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within ZIP code 16630, encompassing the town of Cresson, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to evaluate not just the presence of physicians but also the accessibility of care, the quality of services, and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," will consider various factors to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare environment for asthma patients in Cresson.

One crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the precise number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists serving the population of Cresson is fundamental. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and potentially local hospital systems provides a starting point. This data, combined with information on the total population of Cresson, allows for calculating the ratio of physicians per 1,000 residents. A low ratio might indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more readily available healthcare infrastructure.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients, providing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring. Assessing the availability of PCPs involves examining the number of practices within the ZIP code, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Furthermore, it’s essential to evaluate the appointment scheduling process, including wait times for new and established patients. Practices with efficient scheduling systems and shorter wait times contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Beyond the basic availability of PCPs, the presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is critical. Pulmonologists possess specialized expertise in respiratory conditions like asthma, offering advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options. The availability of pulmonologists in or near Cresson is a significant factor. If pulmonologists are limited, the Asthma Score will reflect the potential need for patients to travel outside the immediate area for specialized care.

The analysis must also consider the quality of care provided. This can be evaluated through several metrics. One is the practice's adherence to established asthma treatment guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Another is the availability of resources like asthma educators, who can provide patients with crucial education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-management techniques. Furthermore, the Asthma Score should reflect the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs), which can improve care coordination and facilitate data sharing.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially beneficial for those with mobility limitations or residing in rural areas. The Asthma Score should reflect the extent to which practices in Cresson offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication refills. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a vital component of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score must consider the availability of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, within the community. The integration of mental health support into the asthma care plan, either through on-site services or referrals, positively influences the score.

Identifying standout practices within 16630 is crucial. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. These practices may exhibit high patient satisfaction scores, a strong commitment to patient education, and a proactive approach to managing asthma triggers. They might also participate in quality improvement initiatives or have a proven track record of achieving positive patient outcomes. Highlighting these practices can serve as a model for other providers and inform patients seeking quality asthma care.

Several factors can negatively impact the Asthma Score. These include limited access to specialists, long wait times for appointments, a lack of patient education resources, and a scarcity of mental health support. Practices that struggle in these areas will receive a lower score, highlighting areas for improvement.

The availability of pharmacies within Cresson is also a crucial consideration. Easy access to pharmacies ensures patients can readily obtain their prescribed medications. The Asthma Score should consider the number of pharmacies in the area, their hours of operation, and their ability to fill prescriptions promptly.

Finally, the Asthma Score must consider the overall community environment. Factors such as air quality, the prevalence of environmental triggers (e.g., pollen, mold), and the availability of community resources (e.g., support groups) can all impact asthma management. Data on air quality from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and information on community resources should be integrated into the analysis.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Cresson requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, specialist access, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all play a crucial role. The Asthma Score, reflecting these factors, provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape in Cresson, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping capabilities that can help you visualize physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data points, providing a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a more visual and comprehensive understanding of asthma care in Cresson.