17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.38 percent of the residents in 17760 has some form of health insurance. 40.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.64 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 17760 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17760. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 280 health care providers accessible to residents in 17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: North Bend, PA (ZIP Code 17760)

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 17760 (North Bend, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach, going beyond simple physician counts. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telehealth, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing asthma effectively. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, ultimately informing residents about the accessibility and quality of care in their community.

The foundation of good asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In North Bend, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) serves as a crucial starting point. While precise numbers fluctuate, understanding the PCP density is paramount. Are there enough PCPs to adequately serve the population, particularly those with chronic conditions like asthma? This involves assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area and comparing it to the total population of 17760. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, less effective asthma management.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs is also significant. Are PCPs concentrated in one area, leaving other parts of North Bend underserved? Proximity to care is a major factor, especially for individuals who may have mobility issues or limited transportation options. The geographic distribution of PCPs, coupled with the availability of public transportation, impacts the overall accessibility of asthma care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in modern healthcare, and its adoption in North Bend's primary care practices warrants investigation. Telehealth offers several advantages for asthma management, including remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual follow-up appointments. These options can be particularly beneficial for patients with busy schedules or those living in geographically remote areas. Assessing the extent to which local PCPs utilize telehealth platforms, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring devices), is crucial to evaluating the overall quality of care.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management, yet it is inextricably linked to patient outcomes. Chronic illnesses like asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is an important consideration. Do local PCPs screen for mental health issues? Are there readily available referrals to mental health professionals? The presence of integrated mental health services can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Identifying standout practices within North Bend is also essential. This requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided by individual practices. This includes evaluating the following: the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, the availability of asthma education programs, and the proactive management of asthma triggers. Practices that consistently demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including regular follow-up appointments, personalized treatment plans, and patient education, should be recognized.

Physician-to-patient ratios are more than just a raw number; they reflect the workload and capacity of the existing medical infrastructure. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain the system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to each patient. Conversely, a higher ratio might suggest a more accessible system, but it is important to consider other factors, such as the availability of support staff, the use of technology, and the overall efficiency of the practice.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, should be considered. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, access to specialists is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of these specialists, and the ease with which patients can be referred to them, is a key factor in the overall quality of asthma care.

Evaluating the availability of after-hours care and emergency services is also crucial. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and timely access to medical attention is essential. The presence of urgent care facilities or emergency rooms in or near North Bend, and their ability to effectively manage asthma exacerbations, is a significant factor in patient safety and well-being.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) can also play a significant role in improving asthma management. EHRs allow for better coordination of care, improved medication management, and the tracking of patient outcomes. Assessing the extent to which local practices utilize EHRs, and the interoperability of these systems, is an important consideration.

In conclusion, assessing the ‘Asthma Score’ for North Bend (ZIP Code 17760) requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. These include the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by individual practices. This analysis underscores the complexity of providing adequate asthma care and highlights the importance of a multi-pronged approach to improving patient outcomes.

Are you interested in visualizing the data and identifying areas with the greatest need for asthma care resources? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility in your community.