16841, Howard, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16841, Howard, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.20 percent of the residents in 16841 has some form of health insurance. 31.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.23 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 16841 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,571 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16841. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,115 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 16841, Howard, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Howard, PA (ZIP Code 16841)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in Howard, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16841) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, examining factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial for effective asthma management. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, offering insights for both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Howard, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data on the exact ratio within the 16841 ZIP code is essential. Publicly available resources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, can provide estimates. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, presents a significant challenge. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially less personalized care. The ability to secure timely appointments for asthma exacerbations is paramount.

Identifying standout practices within the Howard area is crucial. These practices often demonstrate superior asthma management protocols. Look for practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer comprehensive spirometry testing, and have established protocols for managing asthma flares. Positive patient reviews, available through online platforms or local community surveys, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing information on triggers, medication adherence, and inhaler technique, deserve recognition.

The adoption of telemedicine is another vital factor in the Asthma Score assessment. Telemedicine offers several benefits for asthma patients. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations, especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden of frequent in-person visits. The ability to quickly address asthma symptoms via telehealth can prevent more serious complications.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and stress. A comprehensive Asthma Score assessment must consider the availability of mental health support within the Howard community. Does the primary care practice offer on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals? Are there community-based mental health services available? The integration of mental health support can improve patient outcomes.

Specific practices within the 16841 ZIP code need individual evaluation. Research should identify which practices are accepting new patients, especially those with asthma. The types of insurance accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid, are important for accessibility. Investigate the practice’s commitment to asthma education. Do they offer patient education materials? Do they provide asthma action plans tailored to individual needs? The availability of after-hours care, crucial for managing asthma emergencies, must be assessed.

The Asthma Score should also evaluate the availability of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is crucial for patients with complex or severe asthma. The distance to these specialists and the ease of referral from primary care practices are important considerations. The ability to access specialized diagnostic testing, such as allergy testing, is also vital.

Furthermore, consider the community’s overall health environment. Are there initiatives to reduce air pollution, a major asthma trigger? Are there programs to promote healthy lifestyles, such as smoking cessation programs? The community’s commitment to public health can indirectly impact asthma management. The presence of support groups for asthma patients can also be a valuable resource.

The Asthma Score should be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve. Regular updates, based on ongoing research and feedback from patients and providers, are essential. This assessment should be transparent, clearly outlining the methodology and data sources used. The goal is to provide a reliable and actionable resource for patients, physicians, and policymakers.

The overall Asthma Score for Howard, PA (16841) will be determined by weighing the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the community’s overall health environment will all contribute to the final score. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for asthma management.

The final score must be presented in a clear and concise manner. It should be accompanied by recommendations for improvement, highlighting areas where the community can enhance asthma care. This might include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, or expanding mental health services. The goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and to encourage healthcare providers to improve their services.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Howard, PA (16841), including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and community resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive, data-driven maps that can visually represent the factors discussed, helping you understand the accessibility of care and identify potential gaps in the healthcare system.