16858, Morrisdale, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16858, Morrisdale, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.46 percent of the residents in 16858 has some form of health insurance. 41.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.17 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 16858 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 763 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16858. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 930 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 738 health care providers accessible to residents in 16858, Morrisdale, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Morrisdale, PA (ZIP Code 16858)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma management in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16858) requires a multi-faceted approach. We will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), assess physician-to-patient ratios, investigate telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” ranking, reflecting the overall ease and effectiveness of asthma care within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of good asthma care relies heavily on readily accessible primary care. Morrisdale, a rural community, likely faces challenges in this regard. The density of PCPs directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely diagnoses, management plans, and ongoing monitoring. A low PCP-to-population ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score, suggesting potential delays in care and increased difficulty in accessing necessary appointments. We must consider the geographical distribution of these providers, as travel distances significantly affect access, particularly for those with severe asthma exacerbations.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential overcrowding, longer wait times, and reduced opportunities for personalized attention. This can be particularly detrimental for asthma patients, who often require frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and education on self-management techniques. Conversely, a favorable ratio would contribute positively to the Asthma Score, indicating a more accessible and responsive healthcare environment.

Beyond the raw numbers, we need to investigate the quality of care offered by the available practices. Are there any standout practices in the area? Do they have specialized expertise in asthma management? Do they employ certified asthma educators? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma care? The presence of these factors would significantly boost the Asthma Score, reflecting a commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. Conversely, the absence of these factors could lower the score, indicating potential gaps in the delivery of optimal asthma care.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from their physicians or have mobility issues. The availability of virtual consultations for asthma management, including medication refills, symptom monitoring, and education, would be a significant positive factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more convenient and timely care, leading to better patient outcomes. Conversely, limited telemedicine adoption would negatively impact the score, potentially hindering access to essential services.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient’s mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive asthma care. The presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the primary care practices or in the surrounding community would be a significant positive factor in the Asthma Score. Integrated care, where mental health services are readily accessible alongside asthma management, would be ideal. The absence of these resources, or long wait times for appointments, could negatively affect the score, highlighting a potential gap in the holistic care provided to asthma patients.

To create a comprehensive Asthma Score, we would need to gather specific data on the following: the number of PCPs in the 16858 ZIP code and their patient panels; the presence of pulmonologists or allergists in the area; the availability of certified asthma educators; the adoption of telemedicine by local practices; the availability of mental health services, including therapists and psychiatrists; and the practices' participation in quality improvement programs. This data would be weighted based on its impact on asthma care, with access to PCPs and the availability of mental health resources receiving the highest weights.

The final Asthma Score would be a composite score reflecting the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care in Morrisdale, PA. A high score would indicate a favorable healthcare environment for asthma patients, while a low score would highlight areas for improvement. This score could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The analysis would need to consider the specific challenges faced by rural communities, such as limited access to specialists and transportation barriers. It would also need to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma outcomes, such as poverty and housing conditions.

This analysis, although theoretical, highlights the critical factors that contribute to effective asthma management. The "Asthma Score" is a valuable tool for assessing healthcare accessibility and quality.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Morrisdale, PA, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health providers, and to analyze the geographical distribution of healthcare access, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They provide a powerful way to visualize and understand the healthcare landscape, helping you make informed decisions about your health.