16941, Genesee, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 16941, Genesee, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.91 percent of the residents in 16941 has some form of health insurance. 32.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.64 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 16941 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 36 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16941. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 246 health care providers accessible to residents in 16941, Genesee, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16941 and Primary Care Availability in Genesee

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, focusing on asthma management, within ZIP Code 16941 (likely representing a specific area, potentially a town or small city) and the broader context of primary care accessibility in Genesee County, Pennsylvania. The goal is to assess the "Asthma Score" – a composite measure reflecting the ease with which residents can access quality asthma care, considering factors beyond just the presence of physicians.

Evaluating the landscape begins with physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, immediately signals potential challenges. In 16941, data must be gathered to determine the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the population size. Publicly available data, such as information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, would provide a baseline. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A ratio significantly lower than the national average could indicate longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering timely asthma management.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Are physicians clustered in a single area, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in different neighborhoods? The location of practices relative to public transportation routes, schools, and areas with known high asthma prevalence is also important. A lack of geographic accessibility, even with a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, can negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within 16941 requires a deeper dive. This involves researching the specific services offered by each practice. Does the practice have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses trained in asthma management? Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans for patients? Are they equipped with spirometry testing capabilities, a vital tool for diagnosing and monitoring asthma? Practices actively participating in asthma education programs, both for patients and the community, would score higher. Furthermore, the practice's patient satisfaction ratings, accessible through online reviews or patient surveys, offer valuable insights into the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a key factor in modern healthcare, especially in rural areas. Does the practice offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments or medication refills? Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide timely interventions, particularly during asthma exacerbations. Practices utilizing telehealth technologies effectively will contribute positively to the Asthma Score, especially in a geographically dispersed area like Genesee County. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with digital data transmission, further enhances telemedicine's impact on asthma management.

Mental health resources are also critical. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Does the primary care practice have integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or referrals to mental health specialists? Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide access to support services will significantly improve the Asthma Score. This is particularly important given the potential for stress to trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.

Primary care availability in Genesee County, as a whole, is a broader context. Are there significant disparities in access to care between different areas within the county? Factors such as insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and transportation access can influence primary care availability. Investigating the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve vulnerable populations, is crucial. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is also important. While primary care is the first point of contact, access to specialized care is essential for complex asthma cases.

The Asthma Score is also influenced by the availability of ancillary services. Are there pharmacies within easy reach that carry asthma medications? Are there respiratory therapists available for patient education and support? The presence of community resources, such as asthma support groups or educational programs, can also positively impact the score. Collaboration between primary care practices and these community resources is essential for comprehensive asthma management.

Data collection is paramount. A thorough analysis requires gathering information from multiple sources. This includes reviewing publicly available data from government agencies, conducting surveys of local practices, and analyzing patient reviews and feedback. The data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, service offerings, and community resources.

The analysis must consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as housing quality, environmental pollution, and access to healthy food can significantly impact asthma prevalence and severity. Addressing these factors, through community initiatives and advocacy, is crucial for improving the Asthma Score. The analysis should identify areas where these social determinants are negatively impacting asthma outcomes and recommend strategies for improvement.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score is a dynamic measure that reflects the complex interplay of factors influencing access to and quality of asthma care. It is not a static ranking but a continuous assessment that should be used to identify areas for improvement and guide efforts to enhance asthma management within ZIP Code 16941 and Genesee County. A high Asthma Score indicates a community that is well-equipped to support individuals with asthma, while a low score highlights areas that require targeted interventions.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare resources, and areas with high asthma prevalence, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping capabilities allow for the creation of interactive visualizations that can reveal patterns and trends, enabling data-driven decisions to improve asthma care accessibility and outcomes.