18229, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18229, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.13 percent of the residents in 18229 has some form of health insurance. 40.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.26 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 18229 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,662 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18229. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,133 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,522 health care providers accessible to residents in 18229, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Jim Thorpe, PA (ZIP Code 18229)

The following analysis provides an “Asthma Score” assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18229), focusing on factors relevant to asthma management and patient care. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals living with asthma.

Jim Thorpe, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, presents unique challenges for healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area can impact access to specialists and resources, potentially affecting asthma sufferers. The Asthma Score attempts to quantify the quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility:**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within a specific ZIP code requires access to real-time, comprehensive data. However, we can infer certain aspects. Jim Thorpe, as a smaller community, likely has a lower concentration of PCPs compared to urban centers. This potentially translates to a higher patient-to-physician ratio, meaning each doctor may be responsible for a larger patient load. This can impact appointment availability and the time a physician can dedicate to each patient, especially those with chronic conditions like asthma.

The accessibility of PCPs is further complicated by factors like insurance acceptance, office hours, and proximity to patients' homes. Longer travel distances, especially for those relying on public transportation or with mobility limitations, can create barriers to accessing timely care. The Asthma Score considers these factors, recognizing that even a well-equipped practice is less effective if patients cannot readily access it.

**Standout Practices and Asthma Management Protocols:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating the specific practices within the ZIP code. This involves assessing their adherence to established asthma management guidelines. Key indicators include:

* **Asthma Action Plans:** Do practices routinely provide individualized asthma action plans to patients? These plans are crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.
* **Regular Monitoring:** Do practices schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor asthma control, assess medication effectiveness, and adjust treatment plans as needed?
* **Patient Education:** Do practices offer patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and the importance of adherence to medication regimens?
* **Specialist Referrals:** Do practices readily refer patients to pulmonologists or allergists when needed, especially for those with uncontrolled or severe asthma?

Practices that excel in these areas would receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to providing high-quality asthma care. The absence of these elements would negatively impact the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for asthma management, particularly in rural areas. It offers several benefits:

* **Increased Access:** Telemedicine can reduce travel time and costs, making it easier for patients to access care, especially for routine follow-up appointments.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine platforms can facilitate remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, allowing physicians to identify potential problems early and intervene promptly.
* **Medication Management:** Telemedicine can be used to review medication adherence, address concerns, and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options, would receive higher scores. The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve the accessibility and convenience of asthma care.

**Mental Health Resources and their Integration:**

Asthma and mental health are often intertwined. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, while mental health conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and make it more difficult to manage the condition. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources are crucial.

The Asthma Score assesses the following:

* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Do practices screen patients for anxiety and depression?
* **Referral to Mental Health Professionals:** Do practices have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists?
* **Collaboration:** Do practices collaborate with mental health professionals to provide integrated care for patients with both asthma and mental health conditions?

Practices that prioritize mental health screening and integration would receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to holistic patient care. The absence of these elements would negatively impact the score.

**Overall Asthma Score and Recommendations:**

Without specific data on individual practices within ZIP code 18229, a precise Asthma Score is impossible. However, based on the general characteristics of the area, the score is likely moderate. The rural nature of the community may present challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized resources.

Recommendations for improving the Asthma Score in Jim Thorpe include:

* **Increase PCP Availability:** Efforts should be made to attract and retain PCPs in the area.
* **Promote Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices should be encouraged to adopt telemedicine to improve access to care.
* **Integrate Mental Health Services:** Practices should prioritize screening for mental health conditions and establish referral pathways to mental health professionals.
* **Patient Education:** Increase community education on asthma management.

By addressing these areas, the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Jim Thorpe can be significantly improved.

**Call to Action:**

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