16834, Drifting, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16834, Drifting, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16834 has some form of health insurance. 25.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.10 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 16834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 63 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 75 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,092 health care providers accessible to residents in 16834, Drifting, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 16834 and Primary Care in Drifting

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and capabilities of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 16834 ZIP code and the specific needs of the community in Drifting, Pennsylvania. The goal is to assess the "Asthma Score" – a composite measure reflecting the ease of access to qualified medical professionals, the integration of best practices in asthma care, and the availability of supportive resources. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services.

The 16834 ZIP code encompasses the town of Philipsburg and surrounding areas. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code. Comparing this number to the population of 16834 yields a ratio, indicating the number of residents per physician. A higher ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. This is particularly important for asthma patients, who require regular check-ups and quick access to care during exacerbations.

Furthermore, the analysis must identify standout practices within the area. This involves researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This includes looking for practices that have board-certified allergists and pulmonologists on staff, offer specialized asthma education programs, and adhere to the latest guidelines for asthma management, such as those provided by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). These practices are more likely to offer comprehensive care, including thorough diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Asthma Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication refills can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to be more accessible and responsive to the needs of their patients. This is particularly beneficial for asthma patients, as it allows for quick access to medical advice during flare-ups and can reduce the need for emergency room visits.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to external providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Focusing specifically on Drifting, a smaller community within the 16834 ZIP code, requires a more granular approach. The analysis must consider the availability of primary care within Drifting itself, or the distance residents must travel to access care. If Drifting lacks readily accessible primary care, the Asthma Score will be negatively impacted. This underscores the importance of considering geographic accessibility when assessing healthcare quality.

The analysis should also consider the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacies. These professionals play a vital role in asthma management, providing support, education, and medication management. The presence of these resources within the community, or within a reasonable distance, contributes to a higher Asthma Score.

To further enhance the analysis, reviewing patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by local practices. These reviews can highlight strengths and weaknesses, such as wait times, communication skills, and the overall patient experience. This qualitative data complements the quantitative data, providing a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape.

Moreover, the analysis should assess the availability of resources for low-income patients and those with limited English proficiency. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer financial assistance programs, and have multilingual staff are better equipped to serve the diverse needs of the community. This commitment to inclusivity is essential for ensuring equitable access to care.

The Asthma Score is not a static metric. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking the addition of new practices, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new treatment guidelines. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring that the community has access to the best possible asthma care.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare resources available to asthma patients in the 16834 ZIP code and the specific needs of Drifting. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors, a more accurate and nuanced Asthma Score can be developed. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better healthcare access and quality.

For a dynamic and interactive visualization of healthcare resources in the 16834 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice specializations, and accessibility data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.