18248, Sheppton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18248, Sheppton, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.01 percent of the residents in 18248 has some form of health insurance. 31.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.89 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 18248 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 165 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18248. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 96 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,790 health care providers accessible to residents in 18248, Sheppton, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18248 and Primary Care Availability in Sheppton**

Analyzing healthcare access within ZIP Code 18248, encompassing the town of McAdoo and surrounding areas, and specifically assessing primary care availability in the nearby community of Sheppton, requires a multifaceted approach. We will evaluate the “Asthma Score,” a composite metric reflecting the ease of access to quality care for individuals managing asthma, considering factors beyond mere physician counts. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical components influencing asthma management outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 18248, and by extension Sheppton, is a crucial starting point. While raw numbers provide a basic understanding, the distribution of physicians is equally important. A high physician-to-patient ratio might seem favorable, but if those physicians are concentrated in a single practice or are specialists rather than primary care providers, access to timely and ongoing asthma care can be significantly hampered. We need to consider the type of physicians available: are there enough family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians who are comfortable managing asthma cases? The availability of pulmonologists, though not primary care, is also vital, especially for complex or severe asthma cases. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories and insurance provider networks, would be essential to determine the current ratio and its implications.

Identifying “standout practices” involves looking beyond simple physician counts. These practices are characterized by several key features. First, they demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management guidelines. This includes providing regular asthma action plans, educating patients on proper inhaler technique, and offering comprehensive assessments of asthma control. Second, they actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and making adjustments to their care protocols based on data. Third, they foster a patient-centered environment, where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. This involves clear communication, accessible appointment scheduling, and a willingness to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as allergists and respiratory therapists. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the Asthma Score. In rural areas like Sheppton, where geographic barriers can limit access to care, telemedicine offers a valuable solution. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, monitor their symptoms, and receive medication refills without traveling long distances. The availability of virtual asthma education sessions, remote monitoring devices, and telehealth platforms that integrate with electronic health records (EHRs) significantly enhances the accessibility and convenience of asthma care. The practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering both synchronous (real-time video consultations) and asynchronous (store-and-forward) options, will score higher on the Asthma Score.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a vital component of asthma management. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues, provide access to mental health professionals (either in-house or through referral), and offer support groups or educational programs will receive higher scores. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and promotes holistic care. This could include partnerships with local mental health clinics or therapists specializing in chronic illness.

To specifically assess primary care availability in Sheppton, we must consider its proximity to 18248 and the surrounding communities. Many residents of Sheppton likely seek primary care in McAdoo or other nearby towns. The availability of transportation, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the hours of operation of local practices all influence access. The presence of community health centers, which often serve underserved populations and offer sliding-scale fees, is another important factor. Analyzing the patient demographics of local practices, including the prevalence of asthma, provides insights into the specific needs of the community.

The Asthma Score, therefore, isn't a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of asthma care in a given area. A high score indicates that patients in 18248 and Sheppton have good access to qualified physicians, benefit from innovative technologies like telemedicine, and receive holistic care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a shortage of primary care physicians, limited telemedicine adoption, or a lack of integrated mental health resources.

The assessment of the Asthma Score also needs to consider the specific challenges faced by the community. For example, environmental factors, such as air quality and the prevalence of allergens, can significantly impact asthma control. The socioeconomic status of the population, including factors like income, education, and access to insurance, also plays a role. Practices that are aware of these challenges and proactively address them, such as by providing asthma education in multiple languages or partnering with community organizations to improve air quality, will score higher.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The opening or closing of practices, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new healthcare policies can all impact access to care. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that patients in 18248 and Sheppton receive the best possible asthma management. This includes gathering patient feedback through surveys and focus groups to understand their experiences and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in 18248 and Sheppton is a complex undertaking. A comprehensive Asthma Score analysis requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. By considering these factors, we can gain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify opportunities to improve asthma management outcomes.

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