16679, Six Mile Run, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16679, Six Mile Run, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.67 percent of the residents in 16679 has some form of health insurance. 61.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.21 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 16679 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 96 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16679. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 224 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 192 health care providers accessible to residents in 16679, Six Mile Run, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within ZIP Code 16679, encompassing Six Mile Run, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This evaluation, termed an "Asthma Score" analysis, moves beyond simple counts to incorporate factors impacting patient experience and outcomes. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational element of this assessment. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a given population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility to care. In Six Mile Run, the precise ratio requires detailed data analysis, but a preliminary assessment would involve identifying the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists actively practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, and then comparing that number to the total population. The rural nature of the area suggests that the ratio might be less favorable than in more urban settings, potentially impacting the Asthma Score negatively. Further investigation would include the availability of specialists, such as allergists, who are critical in asthma diagnosis and management.

Identifying standout practices requires looking beyond basic metrics. A practice earns recognition by demonstrating a commitment to asthma-specific protocols, patient education, and proactive care. Key indicators include the consistent use of standardized asthma action plans, regular monitoring of lung function (spirometry), and patient education on inhaler technique and environmental control measures. Practices actively participating in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives would also score favorably. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care or on-call support is a significant factor, especially considering the potential for asthma exacerbations that require immediate attention. The analysis would need to review practice websites, patient testimonials, and potentially conduct interviews to identify these standout practices.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can hinder access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. The analysis would evaluate the availability of telemedicine services among the primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the area. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, phone consultations), the services offered (e.g., medication refills, follow-up appointments), and the accessibility of these services to patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, especially those offering remote monitoring of lung function or providing virtual asthma education sessions, would receive higher scores. The ease of use and technical support provided to patients are also important considerations.

Mental health resources play a critical role in asthma management, as asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health services within the area, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. This includes evaluating whether primary care practices have integrated mental health services, whether they offer on-site counseling, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health issues and offer resources to address these concerns would be recognized. The availability of support groups or educational programs focused on the psychological aspects of asthma would also be considered.

The overall Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 16679 would be a composite of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources would each contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its relative importance in influencing asthma care quality and patient outcomes. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its fundamental impact on access to care. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources would also receive significant weight, recognizing their growing importance in comprehensive asthma management. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape in Six Mile Run, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and identifying areas for improvement.

The analysis of primary care availability in Six Mile Run is closely linked to the asthma score. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients with asthma, providing initial diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management. The availability of primary care physicians directly impacts access to asthma care. The analysis would assess the number of primary care physicians practicing within the area, their appointment availability, and their willingness to accept new patients. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, would be considered. The analysis would also evaluate the geographic distribution of primary care practices, ensuring that patients have reasonable access to care regardless of their location within the ZIP code.

The analysis would also consider the integration of primary care and specialty care. Effective asthma management often requires collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists. The analysis would evaluate the communication and referral pathways between primary care practices and specialists in the area. Practices that have established collaborative relationships and utilize electronic health records to share patient information would be recognized. The availability of integrated care models, where primary care physicians and specialists work together to provide coordinated care, would also be considered.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score analysis for Six Mile Run (ZIP Code 16679) provides a nuanced assessment of asthma care quality and primary care accessibility. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate picture of the healthcare landscape than simple counts. The findings can be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform decisions about healthcare resource allocation.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Six Mile Run and explore the data used in this analysis, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to explore physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant information. This tool can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.