18083, Stockertown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18083, Stockertown, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.58 percent of the residents in 18083 has some form of health insurance. 16.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.42 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 18083 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18083. An estimate of 56 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 63 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 36,702 health care providers accessible to residents in 18083, Stockertown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Stockertown, PA (ZIP Code 18083)

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and the resources available to manage asthma within Stockertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18083) requires a multi-faceted approach. An "Asthma Score," though not a formally standardized metric, can be constructed by evaluating several key factors. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of asthma management.

The foundation of any asthma care system is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in Stockertown is a crucial starting point. Publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services or the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide estimates of the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the population served. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, could signal potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a potentially more robust healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and specialization of the available physicians are critical. Are there board-certified allergists or pulmonologists practicing in or near Stockertown? These specialists are crucial for complex asthma cases, offering advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options. The presence of these specialists, even if they are not directly located within the ZIP code, would positively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a lack of specialized care would negatively affect the score, potentially forcing patients to travel significant distances for specialized consultations.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the reputation and services offered by existing medical facilities. Are there any practices known for their expertise in asthma management? Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans, patient education programs, and access to respiratory therapists? Practices that actively participate in asthma-related research or clinical trials would also be considered highly valuable. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms, can provide insights into the patient experience, including wait times, communication quality, and overall satisfaction with care.

The adoption of telemedicine has significantly altered healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring of lung function (using devices like peak flow meters), and virtual education sessions would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. It also enables more frequent check-ins with physicians, allowing for proactive management of asthma symptoms and early intervention in case of exacerbations.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can be a source of significant stress and anxiety, and conversely, mental health conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score must therefore consider the availability of mental health resources for asthma patients. Do local practices offer integrated behavioral health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The presence of support groups or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma would also be beneficial. A practice demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both physical and mental well-being, would receive a higher score.

The specific practices within Stockertown and its surrounding areas would need to be investigated to determine the presence of these resources. A simple online search for "primary care doctors Stockertown PA" and "allergists near 18083" is a starting point. Further research, involving phone calls to practices and review of their websites, would be necessary to gather detailed information about their services and approach to asthma management.

The Asthma Score is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. The score will improve as practices adopt new technologies, expand their services, and prioritize patient-centered care. The score will decrease if there are shortages of physicians, or if the available resources are not easily accessible.

For example, a practice that offers same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, provides comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to each patient, utilizes telemedicine for follow-up visits, and has a dedicated respiratory therapist on staff would receive a significantly higher score than a practice that offers only basic care and has limited resources.

A critical component of any Asthma Score is the consideration of insurance coverage and affordability. The accessibility of asthma medications and devices, such as inhalers and nebulizers, is paramount. Practices that assist patients in navigating insurance complexities, offer financial assistance programs, or participate in medication discount programs would contribute positively to the overall score.

The availability of emergency services is also a factor. The proximity to a hospital with a dedicated emergency department and the presence of trained medical personnel who are experienced in managing asthma exacerbations are crucial for patient safety.

Finally, the overall community awareness of asthma is important. Are there local asthma support groups or educational programs? Are there public health initiatives aimed at promoting asthma awareness and prevention? A community that actively supports asthma patients and their families would receive a higher score.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for Stockertown requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. The availability of primary care physicians, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall community awareness of asthma are all critical considerations. While a precise numerical score cannot be generated without thorough research of individual practices, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare resources available to asthma patients in the 18083 ZIP code.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and community demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their platform provides interactive visualizations of geographic data, allowing you to explore the healthcare landscape in Stockertown and beyond.