18254, Tresckow, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18254, Tresckow, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.97 percent of the residents in 18254 has some form of health insurance. 41.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.74 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 18254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 294 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18254. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 193 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,804 health care providers accessible to residents in 18254, Tresckow, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Tresckow, PA (ZIP Code 18254)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare for asthma sufferers in Tresckow, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18254) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the landscape of primary care providers, assess the quality of asthma management within the area, and highlight key factors impacting patient access and care, ultimately leading to a proposed "Asthma Score" for the region.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible and knowledgeable primary care physicians (PCPs). Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise figures require access to proprietary datasets, publicly available information, such as the U.S. Census Bureau data for population size in 18254 and the Pennsylvania Department of State's physician licensing database, can be used to estimate the number of PCPs practicing within the area. This initial data point offers a preliminary understanding of potential patient load per physician. A low ratio, indicating more patients per PCP, may suggest potential challenges in timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio could indicate better access, but further investigation is needed to confirm this.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters immensely. Several factors contribute to a PCP's ability to effectively manage asthma. These include their familiarity with current asthma guidelines, their willingness to provide patient education on triggers and medication management, and their ability to coordinate care with pulmonologists or other specialists when necessary. Assessing these elements requires evaluating the practices themselves.

Identifying standout practices involves looking for specific indicators of quality. Practices that are patient-centered, offering extended hours or same-day appointments, are more likely to provide better access to care. Those utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) that allow for easy sharing of patient information and medication lists often contribute to improved care coordination. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific quality metrics, such as tracking patient outcomes and adherence to treatment plans, are also strong contenders.

Telemedicine adoption presents another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Tresckow. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to connect with their PCPs or specialists remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for virtual check-ins, medication adjustments, and education sessions, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially during periods of heightened asthma risk. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in 18254 is therefore essential. This includes determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the accessibility of these services to patients.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the community, and the integration of mental health services into primary care, are therefore critical. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (therapists, psychiatrists) in the area, the ease of access to these services, and the extent to which PCPs screen patients for mental health concerns and coordinate referrals when necessary.

To create a comprehensive "Asthma Score" for Tresckow, PA, these factors need to be synthesized. The score will not be a single number but a composite assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in asthma management. For example, access to primary care will likely carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption.

The final score will be presented as a qualitative assessment, perhaps using a scale (e.g., Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent). This will reflect the overall level of care available to asthma patients in the area. The score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used and the rationale behind the scoring. The analysis should also identify areas for improvement and recommend strategies for enhancing asthma care in Tresckow.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, the score may be negatively impacted. If few practices offer telemedicine services, that would also lower the score. Conversely, if several practices demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific quality metrics, this would positively influence the score. The availability of mental health services and the integration of mental health into primary care would also be considered.

The resulting "Asthma Score" will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in 18254. It can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

Ultimately, a thorough analysis of this kind can contribute to better health outcomes for asthma patients in Tresckow. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system, we can work towards creating a more supportive and effective environment for managing this chronic condition.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Tresckow, PA (ZIP code 18254) and visualize the data discussed above, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive representation of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics, making it easier to understand the complexities of asthma care in the area.