18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.89 percent of the residents in 18326 has some form of health insurance. 24.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.29 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 18326 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 992 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18326. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 525 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,710 health care providers accessible to residents in 18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Cresco, PA (ZIP Code 18326)

Cresco, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 18326, presents a unique healthcare landscape. This analysis aims to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on asthma management within the community. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive “Asthma Score” analysis.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Cresco, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the population is a critical indicator. A low ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying asthma diagnosis and treatment. The exact physician-to-patient ratio for 18326 requires diligent data collection from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that, like many rural areas, Cresco may face challenges in PCP availability. This scarcity can place a strain on existing practices, impacting their ability to provide timely and comprehensive asthma care.

Several primary care practices operate within or near Cresco, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Assessing these practices involves examining their commitment to asthma management. This includes evaluating their use of evidence-based guidelines, their access to specialized equipment for asthma diagnosis (e.g., spirometry), and their patient education programs. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing clear instructions on medication use, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans, tend to achieve better asthma control. Furthermore, the presence of certified asthma educators within a practice significantly enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption in Cresco is a significant factor in the "Asthma Score." Practices that offer telemedicine consultations can provide convenient follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma management guidance, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living a distance from the clinic. The effectiveness of telemedicine hinges on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access for patients and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the practice's workflow.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Assessing the availability of these resources is a key component of the “Asthma Score.”

The "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 18326 is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed. This score would be a numerical representation, potentially on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest quality of asthma care. The score would be derived from weighting the different factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of individual practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor's weight would reflect its relative importance in delivering effective asthma care.

For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a lower score in that category. However, if the practice demonstrates exceptional asthma management practices, including patient education and access to specialized equipment, it might receive a higher score in that category. The overall "Asthma Score" would then be a weighted average of these individual scores.

Another crucial aspect of this assessment is the availability of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the frontline providers for asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential, especially for patients with severe or poorly controlled asthma. The proximity of specialists and the ease with which patients can be referred to them significantly impact the quality of care. The "Asthma Score" would also consider the availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance from Cresco.

Furthermore, the score would consider the practice’s commitment to preventative care. This includes routine checkups, vaccinations (especially for influenza and pneumonia), and patient education on environmental triggers. Practices that proactively address these factors are more likely to achieve better asthma control.

The “Asthma Score” is not static; it should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The opening of new practices, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, and the integration of mental health services can all influence the score. Regular updates ensure that the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the quality of asthma care available in Cresco.

In conclusion, assessing the "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 18326 involves a multi-faceted evaluation of primary care availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This comprehensive approach provides a valuable tool for patients seeking asthma care, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare providers.

To visualize and analyze the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care practices, specialists, and telemedicine availability, consider exploring the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. They can provide invaluable insights into healthcare access within Cresco and beyond.