18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.21 percent of the residents in 18246 has some form of health insurance. 38.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.57 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 18246 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 111 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18246. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,627 health care providers accessible to residents in 18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, disproportionately affects certain populations. Evaluating the accessibility and quality of care for asthma sufferers is crucial. This analysis focuses on the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 18246, encompassing the town of Rock Glen, Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on primary care availability and related resources. We aim to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components of comprehensive asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible primary care. In Rock Glen, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the "Asthma Score." Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline understanding of access. A low ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. The specific physician-to-patient ratio within 18246 needs to be determined through data analysis. This should include the number of active, practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the estimated population.

Beyond the simple ratio, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in a single practice, or are there multiple providers spread throughout the area? The geographic distribution influences access, particularly for individuals with limited transportation options or those residing in more remote areas of Rock Glen. Examining the locations of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is also essential. Practices that are open during evenings or weekends and accept a wide range of insurance plans enhance accessibility.

Identifying "standout practices" is crucial. These are medical facilities that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. They might achieve this through several means. One key aspect is the utilization of evidence-based asthma guidelines. Do the practices adhere to the latest recommendations from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Another is the implementation of patient education programs. Asthma education is paramount for self-management, empowering patients to understand their condition, recognize triggers, and effectively use their medications. Practices that offer structured asthma education programs, including demonstrations of inhaler techniques and personalized action plans, would significantly improve the "Asthma Score."

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption within 18246 is a significant factor. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that offer telemedicine services can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas of Rock Glen. The availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and the use of telehealth platforms all contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

Asthma often co-exists with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression are common in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. The "Asthma Score" should consider the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community. Are these professionals integrated into the primary care practices, or are they readily accessible through referrals? Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks for mental health support will receive a higher score.

Specific practices within 18246 should be assessed individually. Research into each practice should include its staffing, services offered, patient reviews, and participation in quality improvement programs. Does a particular practice have a dedicated asthma specialist or a respiratory therapist on staff? Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and care coordination? These factors all influence the quality of care and, consequently, the "Asthma Score."

The "Asthma Score" should also take into account the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to pulmonary function testing (PFT) and allergy testing. PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, while allergy testing helps identify triggers. The proximity and accessibility of these services directly impact the quality of asthma care.

Furthermore, the "Asthma Score" should consider the community's overall health infrastructure. Are there local pharmacies that stock asthma medications and provide patient counseling? Are there community health programs that offer asthma education or support groups? The presence of these resources strengthens the overall healthcare ecosystem and contributes to improved asthma management.

Data collection is essential. Gathering information from various sources, including insurance databases, physician directories, practice websites, and patient surveys, is vital. This data should be analyzed to provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the healthcare landscape within 18246. The analysis should be objective and transparent, clearly outlining the methodology and data sources used.

The final "Asthma Score" should reflect a holistic evaluation of the healthcare resources available in Rock Glen. It should be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. The score should serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, informing decisions about access to care, resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives.

Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for patients and providers alike. To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rock Glen and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care, empowering you to make informed decisions.