16648, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16648, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.20 percent of the residents in 16648 has some form of health insurance. 36.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.16 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 16648 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,942 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16648. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,453 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,763 health care providers accessible to residents in 16648, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Asthma Score Analysis: Hollidaysburg, PA (ZIP Code 16648)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16648) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the often-overlooked connection to mental health. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, though a precise numerical score is beyond the scope of this text. Instead, we'll evaluate key factors influencing asthma management in the area, painting a picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires access to comprehensive, up-to-date data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the total population within the 16648 ZIP code. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide population figures. Physician counts, however, often require consulting directories like the American Medical Association (AMA) or accessing healthcare databases. A low physician-to-patient ratio could indicate a shortage of PCPs, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, which is critical for asthma management. Conversely, a higher ratio might suggest greater accessibility, offering patients more choices and potentially facilitating more personalized care.

Primary care availability in Hollidaysburg is a direct reflection of the physician-to-patient ratio. Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the area matters. Are physicians concentrated in a single location, or are they spread out, offering convenient access to patients across the ZIP code? Accessibility also encompasses the availability of appointments, including same-day or urgent care options for acute asthma exacerbations. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices is another important factor. Limited insurance coverage can create significant barriers to care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, requiring regular check-ups and medication refills.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key metrics. Practices that prioritize asthma management often have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who provide patient education on triggers, medication adherence, and inhaler techniques. These practices may also have established protocols for managing asthma, including standardized asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs. Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly improve asthma care by allowing physicians to track patient data, monitor medication effectiveness, and identify potential exacerbations. Practices that actively engage in quality improvement initiatives, such as regularly reviewing asthma control rates and implementing evidence-based guidelines, typically demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, and its impact on asthma management is significant. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients who may find it difficult to travel to appointments, especially during an asthma flare-up. Telemedicine can facilitate medication refills, provide virtual check-ups, and offer educational resources. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors such as internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the availability of appropriate equipment for remote monitoring, such as peak flow meters. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering virtual asthma education and remote monitoring, are likely to score higher in an asthma care assessment.

The often-overlooked connection between mental health and asthma deserves specific attention. Asthma can be a stressful condition, and anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that screen for mental health issues and provide access to mental health resources, either in-house or through referrals, are demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work alongside primary care physicians, can improve outcomes for patients with both asthma and mental health conditions. The availability of mental health support, such as counseling or support groups, can significantly improve a patient's ability to manage their asthma and improve their overall quality of life.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in Hollidaysburg, PA (16648) requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. A robust asthma care system in Hollidaysburg would feature a sufficient number of PCPs, readily accessible appointments, practices with dedicated asthma management protocols, widespread telemedicine integration, and a strong focus on mental health support. The ability to gather and analyze data on these factors is crucial for improving asthma care in the community.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hollidaysburg, facilitating a deeper understanding of access to care and identifying areas for improvement.