16832, Coburn, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16832, Coburn, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.19 percent of the residents in 16832 has some form of health insurance. 36.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.36 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 16832 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 44 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16832. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 72 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,438 health care providers accessible to residents in 16832, Coburn, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Coburn, PA (ZIP Code 16832)**

Analyzing the accessibility and quality of asthma care in Coburn, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16832) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians, the prevalence of asthma within the community, and the resources available to manage this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all within the context of asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access to care. Within Coburn, the specific physician-to-patient ratio will depend on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing in the area and the size of the population. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) might provide some insights. However, due to privacy concerns, a precise calculation is challenging without accessing proprietary healthcare databases.

Identifying standout practices involves examining several factors. These include the availability of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists specializing in asthma care, the utilization of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma management, including regular check-ups, medication management, and personalized action plans, would likely score higher. Furthermore, the availability of on-site respiratory therapists and access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, are also crucial. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by specific practices.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma management programs would likely receive a higher score. This includes the use of secure video conferencing platforms, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with digital connectivity), and electronic health records that facilitate data sharing between patients and providers.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the healthcare system is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health professionals, would score higher. Additionally, practices that screen patients for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Assessing the overall “Asthma Score” for Coburn requires aggregating these various factors. The score would reflect the community's ability to provide timely, effective, and comprehensive asthma care. This score is not a single number but a composite assessment based on multiple criteria.

The availability of primary care physicians in Coburn is a fundamental component of the Asthma Score. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients. They are responsible for diagnosis, initial treatment, and ongoing management. The number of primary care physicians in the area, their willingness to accept new patients, and their expertise in asthma management all contribute to the overall score.

The prevalence of asthma within the community also plays a role. If the prevalence of asthma in Coburn is higher than the state or national average, the need for accessible and high-quality asthma care is even greater. Data from the CDC or the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide information on asthma prevalence rates.

Specific practices within Coburn, such as the Mount Nittany Medical Center or any other established medical facilities, would need to be evaluated individually. Their Asthma Scores would depend on their adherence to best practices, their use of telemedicine, and their integration of mental health resources. It’s important to note that without specific practice names, it’s difficult to provide a detailed evaluation. However, the general principles of evaluation remain consistent.

The presence of community resources also impacts the score. These resources include support groups for asthma patients, educational programs offered by local health organizations, and access to affordable medications. Communities with robust support systems for asthma patients tend to have better health outcomes.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is increasingly important. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving coordination of care. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively can often provide better asthma management. This includes the ability to track patient symptoms, medication adherence, and lung function over time.

The availability of after-hours care is another factor to consider. Asthma attacks can occur at any time. Practices that offer after-hours access to care, either through on-call physicians or urgent care clinics, can help prevent emergency room visits and improve patient outcomes.

The Asthma Score for Coburn would be a dynamic metric. It could change over time, reflecting changes in the availability of physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new programs. Regular assessments are necessary to ensure that the community is providing the best possible care for asthma patients.

In conclusion, evaluating the asthma care landscape in Coburn, PA (ZIP Code 16832) requires a thorough assessment of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. By understanding these factors, we can gain a comprehensive view of the community's capacity to effectively manage asthma.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and a visual representation of the data discussed, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care within Coburn and surrounding areas.