17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.92 percent of the residents in 17815 has some form of health insurance. 30.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.10 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 17815 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,012 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17815. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,598 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,704 health care providers accessible to residents in 17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Bloomsburg, PA (ZIP Code 17815)

This analysis assesses the landscape of asthma care in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17815), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare infrastructure to inform both patient access and potential areas for improvement.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is readily accessible primary care. In Bloomsburg, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor. While a precise physician-to-patient ratio requires up-to-the-minute data, we can infer general trends. The presence of Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, a significant healthcare provider, suggests a relatively stable base of PCPs. However, the rural nature of the surrounding areas may present challenges in terms of geographic distribution. Patients in more remote locations might face difficulties in accessing timely appointments, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis or exacerbation of asthma symptoms.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio requires considering the age demographics of the population. A higher concentration of children and elderly individuals, both demographics with increased asthma prevalence, would necessitate a higher density of PCPs and specialists. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential to accurately assess this. Furthermore, it's critical to account for the availability of pediatricians and pulmonologists, as their expertise is particularly vital in managing asthma across the lifespan.

Standout practices within the Bloomsburg area would ideally demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes not only the diagnosis and treatment of asthma but also patient education, proactive symptom management strategies, and regular follow-up appointments. Practices excelling in this area likely employ certified asthma educators (CAEs) or other healthcare professionals trained in asthma management. They may also utilize standardized asthma action plans, empowering patients to effectively manage their condition and respond to exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care access, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices actively embracing telemedicine can potentially reduce the burden on patients and improve adherence to treatment plans. The availability of telehealth services, however, depends on factors such as physician willingness, insurance coverage, and patient access to reliable internet connectivity.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Effective asthma care should therefore include screening for mental health issues and providing access to appropriate support services. This could involve collaborations with mental health professionals, offering counseling services within the practice, or providing referrals to mental health specialists.

The "Asthma Score" for Bloomsburg, therefore, is a composite assessment. It is influenced by several factors: the density of PCPs and specialists, the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of patient education and support services, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would be highest for practices demonstrating excellence in all these areas.

A lower score would indicate areas for improvement. This could include a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine options, or insufficient mental health support. Identifying these weaknesses is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve asthma care in the community.

To further enhance the analysis, a deeper dive into specific practices is necessary. This includes assessing their patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, and their participation in quality improvement initiatives. Information on the types of asthma medications prescribed, the frequency of emergency room visits, and the hospitalization rates for asthma patients would also provide valuable insights.

Furthermore, collaborations between healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies are vital for improving asthma care. These collaborations can facilitate the sharing of best practices, the development of patient education programs, and the implementation of community-based interventions.

The overall goal is to create a healthcare environment that empowers patients to effectively manage their asthma, leading to improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs. This requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both the clinical and social determinants of health.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Bloomsburg, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, leading to a more informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within the community.