16848, Lamar, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16848, Lamar, Pennsylvania is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.41 percent of the residents in 16848 has some form of health insurance. 44.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.71 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 16848 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16848. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 43 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 356 health care providers accessible to residents in 16848, Lamar, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16848 and Primary Care Availability in Lamar

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 16848, focusing on their ability to manage asthma patients. We will assess factors impacting asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide an informed "Asthma Score" assessment for the region, ultimately highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in asthma management within the Lamar community.

The foundation of effective asthma care is the accessibility of qualified primary care physicians. ZIP code 16848, encompassing the town of Lamar, Pennsylvania, is a relatively rural area. This characteristic often presents challenges regarding physician availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, delayed treatment for asthma exacerbations. Assessing the current physician-to-patient ratio in 16848 requires accessing up-to-date data, potentially from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, in conjunction with local healthcare provider directories. This ratio directly impacts the "Asthma Score," as a scarcity of primary care providers will inherently lower the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Are practices accepting new patients, particularly those with asthma? Do they have experience managing chronic respiratory conditions? Do they adhere to established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Information on these aspects can be gathered through online reviews, patient testimonials, and by directly contacting the practices. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma education, offering comprehensive asthma action plans, and providing timely follow-up appointments would receive higher marks in the "Asthma Score" assessment. The presence of specialized asthma clinics or certified asthma educators within a practice would significantly boost its rating.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions, including asthma. Its adoption in 16848 and the surrounding area is crucial. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring, particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas with limited access to in-person appointments. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual visits, the types of services provided remotely (e.g., medication refills, symptom checks), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., availability of internet access, patient comfort with technology). Practices actively utilizing telemedicine to manage asthma patients will contribute positively to the overall "Asthma Score."

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among individuals with asthma, and these mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a critical factor in asthma management. This involves evaluating whether primary care practices in 16848 have integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or referral networks to mental health professionals. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established collaborative care models with mental health providers will contribute favorably to the "Asthma Score."

The "Asthma Score" for 16848 will be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It will be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in the region. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure, characterized by sufficient physician availability, high-quality practices, active telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score would indicate areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialized asthma care, insufficient telemedicine integration, or a lack of mental health support.

The specific "Asthma Score" for 16848 cannot be definitively determined without a comprehensive data collection and analysis process. This analysis provides a framework for such an assessment, outlining the key factors to consider. The score would be valuable for several stakeholders. Patients could use it to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers could use it to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Local health authorities could use it to allocate resources effectively and to address healthcare disparities.

The assessment of primary care availability in Lamar, specifically within ZIP code 16848, requires a multifaceted approach. It is not merely about counting doctors; it is about understanding the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of the care provided. The "Asthma Score" is a valuable tool for evaluating these factors and for promoting better asthma management in the community. The score should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 16848, including the locations of primary care practices, the availability of specialists, and the distribution of mental health resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a geographically-based perspective on the data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis.