16921, Gaines, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16921, Gaines, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 16921 has some form of health insurance. 50.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.33 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 16921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 68 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16921. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 153 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 408 health care providers accessible to residents in 16921, Gaines, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16921 & Primary Care Availability in Gaines

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on asthma management, within ZIP code 16921, which encompasses the town of Gaines, Pennsylvania. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Gaines, the geographic remoteness and potential for limited healthcare infrastructure present challenges. A critical initial step is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Precise figures fluctuate, but typically rural areas face a shortage. Analyzing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within 16921 and comparing that to the population is crucial. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments.

Furthermore, the presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is essential for complex asthma cases. While primary care physicians can manage most asthma cases, access to specialists is vital for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The availability of these specialists, and their proximity to Gaines, significantly impacts the overall quality of asthma care. Travel distance and the ability to see a specialist in a timely manner are key considerations.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These practices often demonstrate superior asthma management protocols. This includes evaluating the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, such as those provided by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Practices that routinely assess asthma control, provide patient education on proper inhaler technique and trigger avoidance, and offer personalized asthma action plans are more likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Researching patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered by different practices. Examining the availability of on-site respiratory therapists or nurses trained in asthma management is also beneficial.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide education through online platforms can significantly improve asthma management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual check-ups, medication refills, and educational resources, are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the practices in 16921 is an important aspect of the "Asthma Score" analysis.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common co-morbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can significantly impact asthma control. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their asthma management programs are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes offering on-site mental health professionals, collaborating with mental health specialists, or providing referrals to mental health services. Assessing the availability of these resources is a critical component of the overall "Asthma Score."

To determine the "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP code 16921, we would need to synthesize data from several sources. This includes public health data on physician-to-patient ratios, information gathered from local practices on their asthma management protocols, and patient feedback. The score would reflect the accessibility of care, the quality of asthma management practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

The "Asthma Score" would not be a single, static number. Instead, it would be a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in Gaines. Regular updates would be necessary to account for changes in physician availability, the implementation of new technologies, and the adoption of best practices.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma management. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can all create barriers to care. Practices that are sensitive to these factors and offer programs to address them would receive higher scores. This could include offering sliding-scale fees, providing transportation assistance, or partnering with community organizations to address social determinants of health.

Furthermore, the "Asthma Score" analysis would consider the patient experience. This includes assessing wait times for appointments, the ease of scheduling, the communication skills of the medical staff, and the overall patient satisfaction with the care they receive. Gathering patient feedback through surveys and interviews is an essential component of the analysis.

The "Asthma Score" would serve as a valuable tool for patients seeking asthma care in Gaines. It would help them make informed decisions about their healthcare and identify practices that are best suited to meet their individual needs. It would also provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, highlighting areas where they can improve their asthma management practices.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in Gaines, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16921) requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and exploring the integration of mental health resources. The "Asthma Score" analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare access and asthma management in Gaines, Pennsylvania, including mapping of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.