16635, Duncansville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16635, Duncansville, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.51 percent of the residents in 16635 has some form of health insurance. 37.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.12 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 16635 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,668 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16635. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,832 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,338 health care providers accessible to residents in 16635, Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Duncansville, PA (ZIP Code 16635)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Duncansville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16635) necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of primary care, the specific resources dedicated to asthma management, and the overall accessibility of healthcare within the community. The goal is to construct an "Asthma Score" that reflects the ease with which residents can access appropriate care, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, technological integration, and support for mental health, which is often intertwined with chronic respiratory conditions.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Duncansville, primary care availability is a crucial factor. Assessing this requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio could indicate a potential bottleneck, leading to delayed appointments, increased wait times, and potentially compromised care for asthma sufferers. Data on the number of patients per PCP is essential for a realistic assessment.

Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs within the community is important. Are practices clustered in specific areas, potentially creating accessibility challenges for residents in more remote locations? Public transportation options and the availability of accessible transportation for individuals with respiratory difficulties also factor into the equation. An analysis should also consider the acceptance of new patients by existing practices. Practices that are consistently at capacity may have a negative impact on patient access.

Beyond the simple count of physicians, the quality of primary care must be assessed. This involves evaluating the practices' approach to asthma management. Do they have established protocols for asthma diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring? Are they utilizing evidence-based guidelines and incorporating patient education into their care plans? The availability of specialized asthma education programs within primary care practices would significantly improve the "Asthma Score."

Standout practices within the community deserve recognition. Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to asthma care may exhibit several key characteristics. These include a dedicated asthma specialist, a nurse or respiratory therapist specializing in asthma education, and a commitment to regular patient follow-up. Practices actively participating in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives would also be highly regarded. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) with integrated asthma management tools, such as reminders for medication refills and appointment scheduling, would also be considered a positive factor.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a critical component of modern healthcare delivery, especially in managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. The "Asthma Score" will reflect the degree to which practices in Duncansville have embraced telemedicine. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and support. Practices offering remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, would be seen favorably.

Mental health is often an overlooked but crucial aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is an essential component of a comprehensive asthma care model. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who understand the complexities of managing chronic respiratory conditions. The "Asthma Score" will reflect the extent to which practices address the mental health needs of their asthma patients. This includes assessing the frequency of mental health screenings and the availability of support groups or educational programs.

The availability of asthma-specific resources, such as support groups, educational materials, and access to specialized respiratory therapists, also contributes to the "Asthma Score." The presence of local pharmacies that specialize in respiratory medications and provide patient counseling can also improve the score. The availability of emergency care services, including the proximity of hospitals with specialized respiratory care units, is another critical factor.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Duncansville, PA (ZIP code 16635) will be a composite metric reflecting all these factors. It will provide a snapshot of the community's ability to provide effective and accessible asthma care. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of asthma-specific support services.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of the asthma care landscape in Duncansville requires a detailed investigation of the factors discussed above. The resulting "Asthma Score" provides a valuable tool for assessing the community's strengths and weaknesses in asthma management.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of resources, physician locations, and accessibility challenges within Duncansville and the surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping platform allows for a detailed visualization of healthcare resources, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and community planners.