18220, Delano, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18220, Delano, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.02 percent of the residents in 18220 has some form of health insurance. 33.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.58 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 18220 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 63 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18220. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,590 health care providers accessible to residents in 18220, Delano, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 18220 and Primary Care in Delano

Delano, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 18220 ZIP code, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will delve into the current state of physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in an Asthma Score assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Delano is a crucial starting point. Accurate data on this ratio is often difficult to obtain with granular precision. However, publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates. These estimates, coupled with local hospital and clinic reports, offer a general understanding of the access to primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, can significantly impact asthma management. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions and leading to exacerbations.

The specific practices within 18220 require individual scrutiny. Determining the quality of asthma care involves assessing several factors. Does the practice offer comprehensive asthma education for patients and their families? Are spirometry tests, essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, readily available? Do the physicians adhere to established asthma treatment guidelines, such as those published by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)? Practices demonstrating a commitment to these elements would naturally score higher in an asthma-specific assessment.

Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that excel in patient care. This includes practices with a demonstrated history of positive patient outcomes, measured by metrics like fewer asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Practices employing certified asthma educators, offering evening or weekend appointments, and providing culturally sensitive care would also be considered exemplary. The presence of a dedicated asthma clinic or a specialized asthma management program further enhances a practice's standing.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas like Delano. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This is particularly beneficial for asthma management, as it facilitates regular follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring tools, are better equipped to provide timely and accessible care.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma and mental health often have a bidirectional relationship. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms, while chronic asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better positioned to provide holistic care. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health clinics, or the use of telehealth platforms for mental health consultations.

Assessing the Asthma Score requires a multi-faceted approach. The score should incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized asthma care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each of these elements contributes to the overall quality and accessibility of asthma management. A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine options, and no mental health integration would receive a lower score than a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services.

The specific scoring system should be transparent and data-driven. It could utilize a weighted scoring system, assigning different weights to each factor based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its significant impact on access to care. Telemedicine adoption might be weighted moderately, reflecting its growing importance in improving access and convenience. The availability of mental health resources could also be weighted moderately, recognizing the critical link between asthma and mental well-being.

The final Asthma Score would then be presented as a numerical value or a categorical rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor). This score would provide a valuable tool for patients seeking asthma care in Delano, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, highlighting areas where improvements are needed.

The challenges in providing high-quality asthma care in Delano are significant. The rural location may contribute to a shortage of physicians and limited access to specialized services. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. Strategies to improve asthma care could include recruiting and retaining primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health resources.

The availability of data is crucial for any comprehensive analysis. The success of this assessment relies on the availability of reliable and up-to-date data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Public health agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations must work together to collect and share this data.

The Asthma Score analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of asthma care in Delano. By assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis can identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system. This information can then be used to inform strategies to improve asthma care and ensure that patients in Delano have access to the high-quality care they deserve.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potential areas of improvement, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable visual aid, allowing you to explore the healthcare landscape of Delano in greater detail.