16748, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16748, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.62 percent of the residents in 16748 has some form of health insurance. 46.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.27 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 16748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 579 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 592 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 161 health care providers accessible to residents in 16748, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania.

The challenge of assessing asthma care within a specific geographic area, like ZIP code 16748 (Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania) requires a multi-faceted approach. Constructing an "Asthma Score" necessitates examining various factors, from the availability of primary care physicians to the integration of mental health resources, all while acknowledging the unique characteristics of a rural community. This analysis aims to provide an informed perspective on the quality of asthma management in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. Rural areas often face a shortage of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services designates areas with physician shortages as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Determining if Shinglehouse falls under this designation is crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly impact access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for asthma sufferers. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed interventions, exacerbating asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of hospitalizations.

Primary care availability is another cornerstone of effective asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact for patients and play a vital role in asthma diagnosis, education, and ongoing management. The accessibility of PCPs in Shinglehouse, including the number of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans, directly influences the quality of asthma care. A robust primary care infrastructure, with readily available appointments and a commitment to patient education, is essential for controlling asthma symptoms and preventing exacerbations.

Standout practices within the ZIP code, if any, warrant special attention. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care involves evaluating several key criteria. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, the provision of patient education on asthma triggers and medication adherence, the implementation of asthma action plans, and the regular monitoring of patients' asthma control. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and have a track record of positive patient outcomes should be recognized for their contributions.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in a rural setting. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to care for patients in underserved areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring of lung function, and educational sessions on asthma management. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires reliable internet connectivity, patient access to technology, and physician willingness to adopt new technologies. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among healthcare providers in Shinglehouse is crucial for understanding its potential to enhance asthma care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an integral part of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, can help patients cope with the emotional burden of asthma and improve their overall well-being. Evaluating the availability of mental health providers, their integration with primary care practices, and the availability of resources for asthma-related mental health issues is essential for a holistic assessment of asthma care in Shinglehouse.

Specific examples of practices and their approaches would be needed for a complete assessment. However, the general factors are the same.

The assessment of asthma care in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania, demands a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each of these elements plays a critical role in shaping the quality of asthma management within the community. Addressing any deficiencies in these areas is essential for improving the health and well-being of asthma sufferers in Shinglehouse.

Further investigation into the specific healthcare landscape of Shinglehouse is needed. This would involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data on physician availability, and potentially conducting patient surveys to gather firsthand information on their experiences with asthma care. A detailed analysis of the local practices, including their adherence to asthma guidelines, their use of patient education materials, and their integration of mental health services, would be invaluable.

The assessment of asthma care in Shinglehouse is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring of key indicators, such as physician-to-patient ratios, patient outcomes, and the utilization of telemedicine, is necessary to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and patients is essential for creating a supportive environment that promotes effective asthma management.

By carefully considering these factors and actively working to address any shortcomings, the community can create a healthcare environment that supports individuals with asthma. This requires a commitment to providing accessible, high-quality care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of asthma sufferers.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies, in the context of asthma prevalence and patient demographics, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care and help identify areas where resources are most needed.