16693, Williamsburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16693, Williamsburg, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.51 percent of the residents in 16693 has some form of health insurance. 41.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.71 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 16693 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 959 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16693. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 678 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 788 health care providers accessible to residents in 16693, Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.

The health of a community is a complex tapestry, woven from the threads of accessible medical care, the prevalence of specific illnesses, and the resources available to manage them. This analysis focuses on asthma management and primary care availability in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 16693 ZIP code. We will examine the landscape of healthcare providers, assessing their capacity to address asthma, a chronic respiratory condition significantly impacting quality of life. This assessment will incorporate physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all factors contributing to a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis.

Williamsburg, nestled in Blair County, presents a unique healthcare environment. Its rural setting and relatively small population can influence the availability and accessibility of medical services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care, including pulmonology, crucial for asthma management. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 16693 ZIP code. A higher ratio, conversely, suggests greater accessibility.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care offered by primary care physicians and other specialists. This requires a multi-faceted approach. Online patient reviews, while subjective, provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, wait times, and the overall feeling of care. Accreditation status from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) indicates a practice’s commitment to quality standards. Practices actively participating in asthma-specific programs, such as those focused on patient education or medication adherence, would also be considered high-performing. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, like spirometry, a key test for asthma diagnosis and management, is a significant factor.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely. This is especially beneficial for asthma patients who may require regular check-ups or medication adjustments. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, or online patient portals for communication would receive higher scores. The ease of access to telemedicine services directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. The chronic nature of asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression. Effective asthma management involves addressing the psychological well-being of the patient. Primary care practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling or support groups, within the community also contributes to the overall score.

The "Asthma Score" itself is a hypothetical composite metric, not a standardized measure. It would be calculated based on the weighted scores of the factors discussed above. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, excellent patient reviews, telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with a low ratio, limited telemedicine options, and no mental health resources would receive a lower score. The weighting of each factor would be determined by its relative importance in asthma management.

The analysis would also delve into the specific asthma management practices within the 16693 ZIP code. This includes assessing the availability of asthma education programs, the use of asthma action plans, and the prescribing practices of physicians. Practices that actively educate patients about their condition, provide personalized action plans, and adhere to evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment would receive higher scores. The presence of a certified asthma educator within a practice is a significant positive indicator.

Beyond individual practices, the overall primary care availability in Williamsburg plays a crucial role. The presence of a robust primary care network ensures that patients have access to timely and appropriate care. The number of primary care physicians, the types of services offered, and the hours of operation all contribute to the accessibility of care. The availability of after-hours care or urgent care facilities is particularly important for managing asthma exacerbations.

The assessment also considers the socio-economic factors that can influence asthma management. These include the prevalence of poverty, the availability of affordable housing, and the environmental conditions within the community. Areas with higher rates of poverty may face challenges in accessing healthcare and adhering to treatment plans. Poor housing conditions, such as mold and dust mites, can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Environmental factors, such as air quality, also play a significant role.

The analysis would conclude with an overall assessment of the asthma management landscape in Williamsburg. This would involve identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, highlighting areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for enhancing asthma care. The final "Asthma Score" would provide a snapshot of the community's ability to address this chronic condition.

For a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed in this analysis, offering a spatial perspective on healthcare access within the 16693 ZIP code and beyond. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to visualize the healthcare landscape and gain valuable insights into asthma management in Williamsburg.