18210, Albrightsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18210, Albrightsville, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.34 percent of the residents in 18210 has some form of health insurance. 45.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.16 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 18210 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,474 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18210. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,537 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,436 health care providers accessible to residents in 18210, Albrightsville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Albrightsville, PA (ZIP Code 18210)

Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 18210, presents a unique challenge when assessing asthma care. This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to manage asthma within the community. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, evaluate the adoption of telemedicine, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in determining an 'Asthma Score' for the area.

The foundation of asthma management rests on accessible and knowledgeable primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Albrightsville is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face shortages, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and a less consistent relationship between patient and physician. Data from reputable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, must be analyzed to determine the precise ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the 'Asthma Score'. This is because it strains the healthcare system, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and follow-up care, all vital for asthma control.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These are the clinics and individual physicians demonstrating excellence in asthma care. This requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to investigate their patient outcomes, measured by metrics like asthma exacerbation rates (emergency room visits and hospitalizations), medication adherence, and patient satisfaction. We must also consider the practices' commitment to evidence-based asthma guidelines, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs for both patients and their families, and those that offer comprehensive asthma action plans, would score higher. This also includes assessing the use of spirometry, a crucial diagnostic tool for asthma.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving the 'Asthma Score'. In a rural area like Albrightsville, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with easier access to specialists and follow-up care. Practices that offer virtual consultations for asthma management, medication refills, and education sessions would be viewed favorably. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the score. Telemedicine can also improve access to asthma specialists, who may not be readily available in the area.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce patient adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the 'Asthma Score'. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community or accessible through referral networks. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and offer or connect patients to mental health services will contribute positively to the score. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is essential for holistic asthma care.

Further, the 'Asthma Score' needs to take into account the availability of asthma education resources. This includes access to certified asthma educators, educational materials (brochures, websites, videos), and support groups. Practices that actively promote asthma education and empower patients to manage their condition will receive higher marks. The availability of culturally sensitive educational materials is also important, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their background, can understand and follow their asthma action plans.

In addition to these factors, the 'Asthma Score' should consider the accessibility of pharmacies and the availability of asthma medications. Pharmacies that are open during convenient hours and offer a wide range of asthma medications, including both brand-name and generic options, contribute to better patient outcomes. The ability to easily obtain refills and the availability of pharmacist consultations are also important.

Analyzing the data from these various sources will allow us to create a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' for Albrightsville, PA (ZIP Code 18210). This score will reflect the overall quality of asthma care in the area, considering physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and asthma education. The score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping to identify areas for improvement and guide efforts to enhance asthma care in the community.

The final 'Asthma Score' will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves. Regular updates and reassessments are necessary to ensure that the score accurately reflects the current state of asthma care in Albrightsville. This includes monitoring changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of mental health resources.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with the best possible asthma care, enabling them to live full and active lives. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Albrightsville, we can work together to improve asthma management and reduce the burden of this chronic disease.

To gain a visual and dynamic understanding of the healthcare landscape in Albrightsville, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool provides a powerful way to visualize the data and gain a deeper insight into the factors influencing the 'Asthma Score' in your area.