16847, Kylertown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16847, Kylertown, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.13 percent of the residents in 16847 has some form of health insurance. 14.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.85 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 16847 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16847. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 21 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,066 health care providers accessible to residents in 16847, Kylertown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kylertown, PA (ZIP Code 16847)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Kylertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16847) requires a multi-faceted approach, evaluating not only the number of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and integration of supportive services. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" perspective, focusing on the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma.

The cornerstone of asthma management is consistent primary care. Kylertown, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges in this regard. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This requires considering the geographic spread of these physicians, their patient load, and their willingness to accept new patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, can significantly impact access to timely appointments and ongoing care, which is critical for asthma sufferers. A high ratio, conversely, suggests greater accessibility and potentially better outcomes.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to asthma guidelines, the availability of spirometry testing (a crucial diagnostic tool), and the provision of patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency action plans. Practices that proactively engage patients in their care, offering personalized management plans and regular follow-up appointments, are likely to achieve better asthma control. Identifying these "standout practices" requires researching patient reviews, physician profiles, and potentially contacting local advocacy groups or asthma specialists for recommendations.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas where travel can be a barrier. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices in and around Kylertown offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow readings, and online patient portals for medication refills and communication. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially provide more frequent check-ins, offer timely advice during asthma exacerbations, and reduce the need for costly and time-consuming in-person visits. The availability of telemedicine is a significant factor in the overall "Asthma Score."

Asthma is not merely a physical ailment; it can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, often exacerbating symptoms and hindering effective management. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial element of a comprehensive asthma care system. This involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community or readily accessible via referral networks. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling into their asthma care protocols demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being, contributing positively to the "Asthma Score."

Specific data points are essential to construct a meaningful "Asthma Score." For example, pinpointing the exact number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 16847 is the initial step. This should include identifying the types of practices (e.g., solo practices, group practices, hospital-affiliated clinics). Determining the average patient load per PCP provides insight into the physician-to-patient ratio. Furthermore, investigating the availability of specialist care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, within a reasonable driving distance is crucial. A lack of specialist access can necessitate longer wait times for consultations and complicate asthma management.

The "Asthma Score" would also consider the presence of asthma-specific programs or resources within the community. This could include support groups, asthma education classes, or partnerships with local pharmacies to provide medication counseling. The existence of these resources demonstrates a commitment to community-based asthma care and can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The assessment should also consider the demographics of the population in Kylertown. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation can influence asthma prevalence and management. Practices that are culturally sensitive and provide care tailored to the specific needs of their patients are likely to achieve better results.

Evaluating the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs facilitate better communication between healthcare providers, improve medication management, and allow for more efficient tracking of patient progress. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are better equipped to provide coordinated and comprehensive asthma care.

In summary, a thorough "Asthma Score" analysis for Kylertown (ZIP Code 16847) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to asthma guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community support programs, and the demographics of the patient population. This analysis should identify areas of strength and weakness, highlighting opportunities for improvement in asthma care delivery. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to asthma sufferers in the community and to identify strategies for enhancing their access to high-quality, comprehensive care.

The analysis should also consider the presence of any local hospitals or urgent care facilities and their capacity to treat asthma exacerbations. The availability of emergency care is critical for managing acute asthma episodes and preventing hospitalizations.

To further explore and visualize the data related to physician locations, practice locations, and access to care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the distribution of resources and potential areas of need.