16821, Allport, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16821, Allport, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 16821 has some form of health insurance. 42.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.33 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 16821 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16821. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 30 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,024 health care providers accessible to residents in 16821, Allport, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Comparing Physician Access and Resource Availability

This analysis delves into the availability of asthma care resources, specifically focusing on physicians within the 16821 ZIP code (likely representing State College, Pennsylvania) and primary care access in Allport, Pennsylvania. We will assess factors impacting asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a comparative 'Asthma Score' assessment.

**16821 ZIP Code: State College – A Focus on Asthma Care**

The 16821 ZIP code, encompassing State College, presents a unique environment for asthma care. The presence of a major university, Pennsylvania State University, influences the demographic makeup and healthcare needs of the area. This includes a potentially younger population, with varying levels of access to resources.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of accessibility. While precise numbers fluctuate, we can infer that State College likely has a higher concentration of physicians compared to more rural areas. This is partially due to the presence of a major medical center and associated clinics. However, the specific ratio for pulmonologists and allergists, specialists vital for asthma management, is critical. A lower ratio (fewer specialists per capita) could present challenges for timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

Standout practices within the 16821 area are likely to be those that integrate comprehensive asthma management programs. This includes offering educational resources for patients and families, emphasizing preventative care strategies, and providing readily available access to asthma medications. Practices that actively engage in patient education, such as demonstrating proper inhaler technique and providing individualized asthma action plans, are critical.

Telemedicine adoption is another important aspect. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can significantly improve asthma management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living further from the clinic. Practices that embrace telemedicine can enhance patient convenience and reduce the burden of frequent in-person visits.

Mental health resources are also vital. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are often co-morbid with asthma, and access to mental health support is crucial for overall patient care. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals or offer integrated mental health services are likely to provide a more holistic approach to asthma management.

**Primary Care Availability in Allport: A Rural Perspective**

Allport, a smaller and more rural community, presents a different picture. Primary care access in Allport is likely to be more limited compared to a larger town like State College. This limited access can significantly impact asthma care, as primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Allport are likely to be higher, meaning fewer physicians are available to serve a larger population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to timely care. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is likely to be even more limited, requiring patients to travel to larger cities for specialized care.

Standout practices in Allport, if any, would likely be those that prioritize patient education and self-management strategies. Given the potential limitations in access to specialists, primary care physicians in Allport would need to be highly skilled in asthma management and patient education.

Telemedicine adoption becomes even more critical in rural areas like Allport. Virtual consultations can help bridge the gap in access to specialists and provide ongoing support to patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for lengthy travel.

Mental health resources may also be more limited in Allport. The availability of mental health professionals and support services could be scarce, potentially exacerbating the impact of asthma on mental well-being. Primary care physicians in Allport would need to be particularly vigilant in screening for mental health issues and referring patients to available resources.

**Asthma Score Assessment: A Comparative Glance**

Based on these factors, we can construct a hypothetical 'Asthma Score' assessment. This score is not a precise numerical value but a comparative assessment of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each location in terms of asthma care.

**16821 (State College):** This area likely receives a higher Asthma Score due to:

* **Lower physician-to-patient ratios:** More specialists and primary care physicians per capita.
* **Greater access to specialized care:** Easier access to pulmonologists and allergists.
* **Higher adoption of telemedicine:** More practices offering virtual consultations.
* **Better access to mental health resources:** More readily available mental health support services.
* **More comprehensive asthma management programs:** Practices with a focus on education and preventative care.

**Allport:** This area likely receives a lower Asthma Score due to:

* **Higher physician-to-patient ratios:** Fewer physicians to serve the population.
* **Limited access to specialized care:** Requires travel to access pulmonologists and allergists.
* **Potentially lower adoption of telemedicine:** Fewer practices offering virtual consultations.
* **Limited access to mental health resources:** Fewer available support services.
* **Reliance on primary care physicians for comprehensive asthma management:** Requires greater expertise and resources from primary care providers.

**Conclusion:**

The availability of resources and access to healthcare providers significantly impacts asthma management. State College (16821) appears to have a more favorable environment for asthma care compared to Allport, particularly in terms of physician access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. However, both areas would benefit from ongoing efforts to improve access to care, promote patient education, and integrate mental health services into asthma management.

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