18354, Sciota, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18354, Sciota, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.30 percent of the residents in 18354 has some form of health insurance. 28.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.84 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 18354 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 253 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18354. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 346 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,427 health care providers accessible to residents in 18354, Sciota, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18354 and Primary Care Availability in Sciota**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area, such as ZIP Code 18354 (Sciota, Pennsylvania) and the broader context of primary care availability in Sciota, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis, focusing on asthma care, evaluates several key factors to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment. We will explore physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing asthma effectively.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Sciota, the availability of primary care physicians, including those specializing in internal medicine and family practice, directly impacts the ability of asthma patients to receive timely diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing management. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer asthma control. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, is essential to determine the precise ratio. The analysis should consider the total population of ZIP Code 18354, factoring in age demographics and the prevalence of asthma within the community.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by individual physicians and clinics. This assessment considers several metrics. Patient satisfaction surveys, available through platforms like Healthgrades or Zocdoc, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Practices that consistently receive high ratings for communication, empathy, and effectiveness in asthma management are considered standout performers. Further, the practices' adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), should be assessed. This involves reviewing the practices' protocols for diagnosing asthma, developing individualized treatment plans, educating patients on self-management techniques, and providing access to necessary medications.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several benefits for asthma patients, including remote consultations, medication refills, and asthma education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely, can improve access to care, especially for those living in rural areas or facing mobility challenges. The analysis should identify practices that offer telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of use of the platform, and the availability of technical support.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult to manage the condition. Assessing the availability of mental health resources is, therefore, crucial for comprehensive asthma care. This involves identifying practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or through partnerships with mental health providers. The analysis should also consider the availability of mental health resources within the broader community, such as support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care.

The 'Asthma Score' itself will be a composite metric derived from the factors discussed above. Each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources) will be assigned a weighted score based on its importance. The overall score will reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care available in ZIP Code 18354 and the surrounding Sciota area. The higher the score, the better the asthma care resources are in the area.

For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a sufficient number of physicians, would contribute positively to the score. Practices with high patient satisfaction ratings and adherence to asthma guidelines would also receive high scores. Practices that have adopted telemedicine and offer integrated mental health services would further enhance their scores.

The analysis should also consider any disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic factors, race, or ethnicity. Identifying and addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that all asthma patients receive equitable access to high-quality care. This involves analyzing data on insurance coverage, language barriers, and transportation challenges.

The final 'Asthma Score' analysis will provide a valuable snapshot of the state of asthma care in Sciota. It will highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients. The analysis can be used to identify opportunities to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and address disparities in asthma management.

By combining data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the 'Asthma Score' analysis will provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in Sciota. This will empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and inform providers and policymakers on areas of improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sciota and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of resources, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools can provide an invaluable perspective on the accessibility and availability of healthcare services in your community.