18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.09 percent of the residents in 18221 has some form of health insurance. 47.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.05 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 18221 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18221. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 68 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,603 health care providers accessible to residents in 18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP code 18221 (Drifton, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach, considering both the quality of care provided by local physicians and the accessibility of that care to the community. Assessing an "Asthma Score" necessitates evaluating several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of primary care availability in Drifton. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, enabling informed decisions regarding healthcare choices.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnosis or treatment. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Drifton necessitates data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local hospital systems. A thorough investigation would reveal the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists practicing within the 18221 ZIP code, alongside the population of Drifton. This data provides a baseline understanding of the potential for access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of individual practices significantly impacts the Asthma Score. Identifying "standout practices" requires examining several criteria. These include the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, the availability of comprehensive asthma education programs for patients and families, the implementation of asthma action plans, and the regular monitoring of lung function. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate consistently positive patient outcomes would be considered high-performing. Patient reviews, online ratings, and referrals from other healthcare professionals offer valuable insights into the reputation and quality of care provided by specific practices.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a critical element of modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Drifton. Telemedicine can improve access to care by enabling virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, should receive higher scores. This is especially important for patients with asthma, who may benefit from regular check-ins and proactive management of their condition. The availability of telemedicine also reduces the need for frequent travel to physician offices, which can be a significant burden for patients, especially during exacerbations.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and chronic asthma can negatively impact mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a vital component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals should be recognized for their commitment to holistic patient care. This integrated approach can lead to better asthma control and improved overall quality of life for patients.

Primary care availability in Drifton is a central consideration. The presence of readily accessible primary care physicians is the foundation of effective asthma management. These physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms and play a crucial role in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. The proximity of primary care practices to the community, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments all contribute to the accessibility of primary care. A shortage of primary care physicians or limited access to these services would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

To synthesize these factors into a cohesive Asthma Score, a weighted scoring system is necessary. Each component – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, reflecting their foundational role in access to care. The practices that demonstrate the best asthma care would be ranked higher.

The analysis would then identify specific practices within the 18221 ZIP code that excel in asthma management. This might include practices that have implemented robust asthma education programs, utilize telemedicine effectively, and have integrated mental health services. Conversely, practices with limited resources, high patient-to-physician ratios, or a lack of telemedicine capabilities would receive lower scores. The overall Asthma Score for the 18221 ZIP code would reflect the collective performance of the healthcare providers in the area.

The assessment should also consider the demographics of the community. The prevalence of asthma, the socioeconomic status of residents, and the availability of transportation can all influence the accessibility of care. For instance, a higher prevalence of asthma or a larger population of low-income residents might necessitate a greater emphasis on affordable care options and community outreach programs.

Finally, the analysis should not be static. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and best practices emerging regularly. The Asthma Score should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and to ensure that the assessment remains relevant and accurate. This ongoing evaluation will help to identify areas for improvement and to promote the delivery of high-quality asthma care in Drifton.

The compilation of this data provides a detailed picture of asthma care in Drifton. This information can be used to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, to identify areas for improvement, and to advocate for better asthma management resources in the community.

Would you like to see this data visualized on a map? Explore the healthcare landscape of Drifton and surrounding areas with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the location of healthcare providers, assess the availability of resources, and understand the geographic distribution of asthma care. Discover how CartoChrome can help you make informed healthcare decisions.