16638, Entriken, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16638, Entriken, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16638 has some form of health insurance. 13.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.79 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 16638 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 32 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16638. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 10 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,318 health care providers accessible to residents in 16638, Entriken, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the asthma care landscape in and around Entriken, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16638), focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources. It aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, albeit an informal one, by evaluating key factors crucial for effective asthma management. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, identification of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of a rural area.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Entriken, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma patients’ ability to receive timely diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing management. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions during asthma exacerbations. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, can provide population estimates for the area. Cross-referencing this data with physician directories, hospital websites, and insurance provider listings will allow for a rough estimate of the PCP-to-patient ratio. This ratio will be a significant factor in determining the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within the 16638 ZIP code and its immediate vicinity is vital. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This might involve: offering specialized asthma education programs for patients and families, implementing evidence-based treatment protocols aligned with national guidelines, having dedicated staff trained in asthma management (e.g., certified asthma educators), and providing readily available resources for patients experiencing acute asthma symptoms. Investigating the practices’ websites, reviewing patient testimonials (if available), and contacting local hospitals or healthcare networks can uncover these exemplary providers. The presence of these practices will positively influence the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role, particularly in rural areas where geographic barriers can hinder access to healthcare. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, facilitating follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring. The Asthma Score will be influenced by the extent to which practices in the area offer telemedicine services. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations. Researching which local PCPs offer telehealth capabilities, including the types of services provided (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), will be essential.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The Asthma Score will consider the proximity of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, to the Entriken area. Furthermore, it will assess the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to mental health support will receive a higher score. Investigating local mental health providers, hospital affiliations, and the availability of integrated behavioral health services within primary care will be key to this assessment.

Analyzing the Asthma Score requires a nuanced approach, recognizing that the availability of resources can fluctuate. The score is not a static number but rather a reflection of the current healthcare landscape. The evaluation should consider the following weighted factors: PCP-to-patient ratio (30%), availability of standout practices (25%), telemedicine adoption (25%), and access to mental health resources (20%). Each factor will be assessed based on the research conducted. For example, a high PCP-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of a practice with a certified asthma educator would positively influence it.

The final Asthma Score will be a qualitative assessment, providing a general indication of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in the Entriken area. It will be categorized using a simple scale: "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor." This score will be based on the weighted evaluation of the factors mentioned above. For example, a "Good" score might indicate a reasonable PCP-to-patient ratio, the presence of some practices with specialized asthma care, limited telemedicine adoption, and moderate access to mental health resources. A "Poor" score, conversely, might reflect a high PCP-to-patient ratio, a lack of specialized asthma care, minimal telemedicine adoption, and limited access to mental health support.

The challenge lies in obtaining specific, granular data for a rural area like Entriken. The analysis will likely rely on publicly available information, supplemented by local knowledge and potentially some outreach to healthcare providers. The accuracy of the score will depend on the thoroughness of the research. The analysis will also acknowledge the limitations of the data and provide recommendations for improving asthma care in the area. This might include suggestions for expanding telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health support, and promoting asthma education programs.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score analysis aims to provide a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Entriken, Pennsylvania. It underscores the importance of accessible primary care, specialized asthma management, telemedicine, and mental health resources in improving outcomes for asthma patients. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the analysis can contribute to efforts to enhance asthma care in the community.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Entriken, including the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and related resources, consider exploring the power of geospatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze this data, gaining a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource distribution within the 16638 ZIP code and beyond.**