18356, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18356, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18356 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 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 18356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18356. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,968 health care providers accessible to residents in 18356, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 18356, encompassing Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. We will evaluate the landscape of primary care physicians, their ability to manage asthma, the resources available for patients, and the overall accessibility of care. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine implementation, and the integration of mental health services, providing a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Shawnee on Delaware, determining the precise ratio requires data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. We must identify the total number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and divide it by the resident population. A lower ratio indicates potentially better access to care, while a higher ratio suggests a possible strain on resources, potentially impacting appointment availability and the time physicians can dedicate to each patient, including those with asthma.

Evaluating standout practices involves examining the quality of care provided, patient reviews, and the adoption of best practices in asthma management. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma education, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs), and adhere to current guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) are likely to receive higher marks. Patient testimonials, accessible through online platforms, provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, responsiveness, and the effectiveness of treatment plans. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate care coordination and medication management also contributes to a practice's overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in enhancing asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas like Shawnee on Delaware. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and offering convenient follow-up appointments. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and educational resources through telehealth platforms demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. The availability of telemedicine can be especially beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for prompt intervention during exacerbations and improved medication adherence.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as crucial in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or refer patients to mental health services demonstrate a holistic approach to care. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or the implementation of screening tools to identify patients who may benefit from mental health support. Addressing the psychological aspects of asthma can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Specific practices within 18356 must be assessed individually. Identifying the names of practices and assessing their strengths and weaknesses requires data gathering from multiple sources. We would need to analyze their websites, patient reviews, and publicly available information. We can then evaluate their adherence to asthma management guidelines, their use of technology, and their integration of mental health services. For example, a practice that actively uses telemedicine for follow-up appointments, offers asthma education classes, and has a dedicated respiratory therapist would likely receive a higher score than a practice that does not offer these services.

The availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists, is another critical consideration. While PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, access to specialists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The distance to the nearest pulmonologist, the availability of appointments, and the ability of PCPs to effectively refer patients to specialists all contribute to the overall 'Asthma Score'.

Further analysis requires examining the insurance landscape within 18356. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices directly impacts accessibility. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, ensure that a larger segment of the population can access care. The cost of medications and the availability of financial assistance programs for asthma patients are also important factors.

The 'Asthma Score' itself would be a composite metric, combining the various factors discussed. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, would be assigned a weight based on its importance. The overall score would then be calculated, providing a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in Shawnee on Delaware.

To improve asthma care in 18356, several recommendations can be made. Efforts to increase the number of PCPs and pulmonologists in the area would improve access to care. Practices should be encouraged to adopt telemedicine technologies to enhance patient convenience and remote monitoring capabilities. The integration of mental health services into asthma care should be prioritized. Community-based asthma education programs can empower patients to manage their condition effectively.

The 'Asthma Score' is not a static measure; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to identify areas for improvement and ensure that asthma patients in Shawnee on Delaware receive the best possible care. This includes tracking changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of mental health services.

Understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for effective asthma management. Visualizing this data, including the location of practices, specialists, and pharmacies, can provide valuable insights. This visualization helps identify areas with limited access to care and allows for targeted interventions.

For a detailed, map-based visualization of healthcare resources in Shawnee on Delaware and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice types, and service offerings, we encourage you to explore the possibilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations, allowing you to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.