16876, Wallaceton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16876, Wallaceton, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.56 percent of the residents in 16876 has some form of health insurance. 52.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.25 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 16876 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16876. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 33 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 494 health care providers accessible to residents in 16876, Wallaceton, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 16876, encompassing Wallaceton, requires a multifaceted approach. We will assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their accessibility, and the resources available for asthma management, including telemedicine and mental health support, ultimately constructing an "Asthma Score" for the area. This score isn't a single number but a composite evaluation based on several factors, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the care environment.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the availability of PCPs. Wallaceton's physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Unfortunately, precise figures fluctuate, and publicly available data often lags. However, we can use available data, supplemented by local insights, to estimate the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This involves examining databases like the Pennsylvania Department of State's licensing information and cross-referencing with insurance provider directories. We then consider the population size of Wallaceton and the broader 16876 ZIP code to calculate a ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access.

Accessibility extends beyond sheer numbers. The location of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans significantly impact patient access. Practices located in easily accessible areas with convenient parking and extended hours are more favorable. Furthermore, practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans ensure that more residents can access care without financial barriers. This includes both public and private insurance options.

Beyond the basic numbers, we need to identify any standout practices. These practices might excel in asthma management through specialized staff, advanced diagnostic equipment, or patient education programs. Identifying these practices involves researching patient reviews, examining practice websites for details on asthma-specific services, and potentially contacting local advocacy groups or patient support organizations for recommendations. These practices would receive higher scores within the overall assessment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, which can be especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or living in rural areas. We need to assess the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in the area. This involves examining practice websites and contacting practices to determine if they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telemedicine services. Practices actively embracing telemedicine will receive higher scores.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and managing the psychological aspects of the condition is crucial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a significant factor in our Asthma Score. This involves identifying mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who are accessible to patients in the area. We also need to consider whether PCPs are integrated with mental health services, either through internal referrals or partnerships with external providers. Practices with strong connections to mental health resources will score higher.

The availability of asthma-specific resources also impacts the score. This includes access to certified asthma educators, respiratory therapists, and specialized asthma clinics. These resources provide patients with education, support, and specialized care to manage their condition effectively. The presence and accessibility of these resources will positively influence the score.

Patient education plays a crucial role in asthma management. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education materials, such as written guides, online resources, and group classes, are better equipped to empower patients to manage their condition effectively. We must assess the availability and quality of patient education programs.

The Asthma Score for 16876 will be a subjective assessment based on the factors discussed above. The process involves gathering data, analyzing it, and assigning weighted scores to each factor. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in contributing to effective asthma care. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio and accessibility will likely receive a higher weight than the availability of online resources.

The final score will be a qualitative assessment, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," along with a detailed narrative summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in the area. The narrative will highlight specific practices, resources, and challenges. The score will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in the healthcare landscape.

This analysis requires ongoing data collection and evaluation. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, with new practices opening, telemedicine services expanding, and resources becoming available. Regular updates are essential to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the Asthma Score.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Wallaceton (ZIP code 16876) requires a comprehensive evaluation of PCP availability, accessibility, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and specialized asthma services. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of the data and a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to explore physician locations, resource availability, and other relevant information in a user-friendly format.