18235, Lehighton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18235, Lehighton, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.62 percent of the residents in 18235 has some form of health insurance. 38.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.49 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 18235 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,756 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18235. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,645 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,164 health care providers accessible to residents in 18235, Lehighton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lehighton, PA (ZIP Code 18235)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within Lehighton, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 18235, requires a multifaceted approach. We must examine not only the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also the specific resources dedicated to asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. A high ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments for asthma. Assessing the exact PCP-to-patient ratio in Lehighton requires accessing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and comparing it to the local population demographics. Ideally, the ratio should be compared to state and national averages to understand Lehighton’s relative standing. A lower ratio indicates a greater strain on the healthcare system, potentially impacting asthma patients' ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond simple physician counts. We need to evaluate the quality of care provided. This includes assessing factors like the physicians' board certifications (e.g., in internal medicine or family medicine), their experience in managing asthma, and their commitment to evidence-based treatment guidelines. Furthermore, we must consider the availability of specialized asthma services, such as pulmonary function testing (spirometry) and allergy testing, which are critical for accurate diagnosis and management. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs for patients and families, and those that utilize asthma action plans, demonstrate a proactive approach to patient care. These practices would likely receive higher scores in our asthma assessment.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in rural areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption in Lehighton involves determining which primary care practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available remotely (e.g., medication refills, follow-up visits), and the availability of remote monitoring tools (e.g., peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities). Practices embracing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved care accessibility.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the integration of mental health resources. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The presence of mental health services within primary care practices or readily accessible through referrals is therefore crucial. This includes assessing whether PCPs screen patients for mental health concerns, whether they have access to on-site mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors), and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide integrated care are better equipped to support the holistic well-being of their patients.

Primary care availability in Lehighton is a critical factor. Beyond physician-to-patient ratios, we must consider the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Are there sufficient practices to serve the population, and are they accessible via public transportation or private vehicles? The presence of after-hours or weekend clinics further enhances accessibility. Moreover, evaluating the insurance plans accepted by local practices is essential. Limited insurance coverage can create barriers to care for many residents, particularly those with asthma, who may require frequent medical attention.

The "Asthma Score" for Lehighton, 18235, would be derived from a weighted evaluation of these factors. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialized asthma services might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific context. The score would then be used to rank the quality of asthma care within the ZIP code.

In conclusion, a thorough assessment of asthma care in Lehighton, PA, requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. These factors include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, we can identify areas for improvement and ensure that individuals with asthma receive the best possible care.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Lehighton, including physician locations, clinic accessibility, and demographic data relevant to asthma prevalence, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.