16845, Karthaus, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16845, Karthaus, Pennsylvania is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.75 percent of the residents in 16845 has some form of health insurance. 28.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.42 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 16845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 118 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16845. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 206 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 376 health care providers accessible to residents in 16845, Karthaus, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Karthaus, PA (ZIP Code 16845)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within and serving the Karthaus, PA (ZIP Code 16845) area. We will assess factors impacting asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" perspective for residents.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. In Karthaus, the geographical isolation and relatively small population size present inherent challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for asthma sufferers. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with publicly available information from physician directories and insurance provider networks, would be necessary to determine the precise ratio within the 16845 ZIP code and its surrounding areas. This data point is fundamental to understanding the initial access to care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care delivered by available PCPs is crucial. Identifying standout practices involves assessing their commitment to asthma management best practices. Key indicators include whether the practice adheres to National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines. This involves evaluating the use of standardized asthma action plans, patient education materials, and the regular monitoring of asthma control. Practices that actively engage in these practices are more likely to provide superior asthma care. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, including proper inhaler technique training and trigger avoidance strategies, would score higher in this assessment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge geographical barriers and improve healthcare access. Its adoption by primary care practices in and around Karthaus is a significant factor in this analysis. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for routine check-ups and medication refills, receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to accessible and convenient care. The ability to monitor asthma symptoms remotely through telehealth platforms can also contribute to better patient outcomes.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized, especially in managing chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within or easily accessible to the Karthaus community is a crucial component of this "Asthma Score" analysis. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals within primary care practices, or the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the surrounding areas. Practices that integrate mental health support into their asthma care plans, either directly or through partnerships, would receive a higher score, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care.

Specific examples of practices in and around the 16845 ZIP code, if available, would be analyzed. The analysis would investigate whether any practices are actively involved in asthma-specific community outreach programs, such as educational workshops or support groups. The analysis would also determine whether any practices are participating in research related to asthma care, as this can indicate a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

The "Asthma Score" would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would be given a significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. Adherence to asthma management guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources would also be weighted, reflecting their importance in providing comprehensive and effective asthma care.

The final "Asthma Score" for the Karthaus area would provide a snapshot of the current state of asthma care access and quality. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a greater emphasis on best practices, and a more integrated approach to patient well-being. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health support services.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can all exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder access to care. The analysis would consider these factors and their impact on the "Asthma Score."

The availability of specialty care, such as pulmonologists, is also a factor, even though the focus is on primary care. The ease of access to specialists, either through referrals or through telemedicine consultations, is a factor in the overall assessment.

The analysis would acknowledge that the "Asthma Score" is a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new technologies emerge. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to assess and improve asthma care in the Karthaus area. The analysis would also be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

This detailed assessment, focusing on specific indicators, would provide a more nuanced understanding of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Karthaus. The use of a scoring system, incorporating physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability, would offer a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for improving asthma care within the community. This approach would provide a useful framework for evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and informing future policy decisions.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" analysis aims to empower residents of Karthaus with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The analysis would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing a roadmap for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Karthaus, PA (ZIP Code 16845) and visualize physician locations, practice details, and other relevant data, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can provide a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and availability.