18349, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18349, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18349 has some form of health insurance. 19.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 18349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 86 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18349. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 31 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,768 health care providers accessible to residents in 18349, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 18349, encompassing Pocono Manor, requires a multifaceted approach. We'll delve into physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment. This score aims to gauge the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in physician availability. In Pocono Manor (ZIP Code 18349), understanding the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to appointment delays and reduced access to care, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potentially better access. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide insights into these ratios. However, these figures are often broad and may not reflect the specific needs of asthma patients.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in specific areas within the ZIP code, or are they spread out, offering more convenient access to patients in different parts of Pocono Manor? This geographic distribution influences travel times and the ability of patients to receive timely care. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by each practice is a critical factor. A practice with a high patient load and limited capacity to accept new patients can create a bottleneck, making it difficult for new residents or those seeking a new PCP to establish care.

The characteristics of individual practices also significantly impact the 'Asthma Score'. We must evaluate factors such as the availability of on-site respiratory therapists or asthma educators. These professionals play a vital role in asthma management, providing patient education on inhaler techniques, environmental control measures, and recognizing early warning signs of exacerbations. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs and personalized care plans typically receive higher scores.

Another key aspect is the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, improve care coordination, and allow for more efficient tracking of patient data, including asthma control measures, medication adherence, and exacerbation frequency. Practices with robust EHR systems are generally better equipped to manage chronic conditions like asthma.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in today’s healthcare landscape. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients, including the ability to conduct virtual check-ups, monitor patients remotely, and provide education and support. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments, will score higher. This is especially important in a geographically dispersed area like Pocono Manor, where travel can be a barrier to accessing care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are essential. Asthma can be a stressful condition, and anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to external providers, is a significant factor. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and asthma and offer integrated care or readily accessible referrals will be rated more favorably.

To determine a practice's ‘Asthma Score’, we would consider several factors. First, physician-to-patient ratio, with a lower ratio (more physicians per capita) receiving a higher score. Second, practice characteristics, including the availability of respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and comprehensive asthma education programs. Practices with these resources would receive higher scores. Third, the adoption of EHRs and telemedicine. Practices with robust EHR systems and offering telemedicine services would receive higher scores. Fourth, the availability of mental health resources. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or provide referrals to mental health professionals would receive higher scores. Finally, patient satisfaction surveys and reviews, if available, would be incorporated. Practices with positive patient feedback would score higher.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 18349 are those that excel in these areas. They likely have a good physician-to-patient ratio, offer comprehensive asthma education, have adopted telemedicine, and provide access to mental health services. Identifying these practices requires a thorough review of available data, including practice websites, patient reviews, and information from healthcare directories.

The 'Asthma Score' for Pocono Manor (ZIP Code 18349) is a dynamic measure, constantly evolving based on changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and healthcare advancements. Regular reassessment is essential to ensure the accuracy of the score and to reflect the current state of asthma care in the area.

In conclusion, understanding the 'Asthma Score' for Pocono Manor (ZIP Code 18349) requires a detailed examination of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A comprehensive assessment helps patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlights areas where improvements are needed.

For a visually rich and interactive map of physician locations, practice details, and other relevant healthcare information in Pocono Manor and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, helping you to make informed decisions about your health.