16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 16740 has some form of health insurance. 55.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.34 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 16740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 236 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16740. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 344 health care providers accessible to residents in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16740) requires a nuanced approach, particularly when assessing asthma care and primary care availability. This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' ranking, considering factors such as physician density, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements impacting asthma management.

The initial challenge lies in the limited population base of Mount Jewett. This small community presents a unique set of circumstances. Due to the population size, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can significantly impact access to care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma, which require regular monitoring and management. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) forms the foundation of accessible healthcare. A robust PCP network provides initial diagnoses, ongoing care coordination, and referrals to specialists when needed.

Within the confines of Mount Jewett, the presence of dedicated asthma specialists is likely limited. This necessitates evaluating the proximity to specialists in neighboring towns or cities. Access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other relevant specialists is essential for effective asthma management, particularly for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Travel time and transportation options become crucial considerations in such a geographically constrained environment.

The adoption of telemedicine offers a potential solution to the challenges of limited physician availability. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine follow-ups and medication management. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access, is critical.

Mental health is often overlooked in asthma management, but its significance is undeniable. Asthma can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, and patients with asthma are more prone to mental health issues. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, and their integration with primary care practices is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Identifying standout practices in Mount Jewett involves looking beyond the number of physicians. We must evaluate the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the implementation of best practices for asthma management. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide personalized asthma action plans, and utilize evidence-based treatment protocols are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Examining patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the patient experience.

While a formal 'Asthma Score' is complex to generate without access to specific practice data, a ranking can be derived based on the factors mentioned above. The practices with the best 'Asthma Score' will likely be those that:

* Have a higher physician-to-patient ratio or strong partnerships with neighboring practices.
* Offer telemedicine services for asthma management.
* Have established referral pathways to specialists.
* Provide integrated or readily accessible mental health resources.
* Prioritize patient education and personalized asthma action plans.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption involves more than just offering virtual appointments. It encompasses the technology infrastructure, the training of staff, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care workflow. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma management programs are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care.

The integration of mental health services is another critical aspect. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide access to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. This could involve having mental health professionals on staff, partnering with local mental health organizations, or establishing a streamlined referral process.

Evaluating the quality of care requires examining the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Practices that adhere to national guidelines for asthma management, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), are more likely to provide effective care. The implementation of these guidelines can be assessed by reviewing patient records, observing clinical practices, and interviewing staff.

The lack of a large patient base in Mount Jewett can also affect the availability of specialized equipment and diagnostic tools. The practices with the highest 'Asthma Score' would ideally have access to essential equipment for asthma diagnosis and management, such as spirometry and peak flow meters.

The availability of asthma education resources is also important. Practices that provide patients with educational materials, self-management tools, and support groups can empower patients to take control of their condition. These resources can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce asthma exacerbations.

The 'Asthma Score' analysis for Mount Jewett would also consider the availability of emergency care services. Access to prompt and effective emergency care is crucial for patients experiencing severe asthma exacerbations. Evaluating the proximity to emergency rooms and the efficiency of emergency medical services (EMS) is an essential component of the overall assessment.

In conclusion, assessing the 'Asthma Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 16740 and primary care availability in Mount Jewett requires a holistic approach. While the limited population presents challenges, practices that prioritize physician accessibility, embrace telemedicine, integrate mental health resources, and adhere to evidence-based asthma management guidelines are likely to provide superior care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mount Jewett and surrounding areas, including the locations of practices, specialists, and healthcare resources, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, allowing you to identify key resources and access points.