18357, Skytop, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18357, Skytop, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.88 percent of the residents in 18357 has some form of health insurance. 89.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.06 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 18357 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 18357. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 52 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,745 health care providers accessible to residents in 18357, Skytop, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Skytop (ZIP Code 18357)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in the Skytop area, specifically focusing on asthma care, requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll examine the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 18357, assess their capacity to manage asthma, and explore related resources, including telemedicine and mental health support. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, offering insights into the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care available to residents.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Skytop (18357), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Determining this ratio necessitates data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local hospital systems. The ideal scenario would be a low ratio, signifying a greater availability of physicians per capita. However, rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per resident, would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

To gauge the capacity of PCPs to handle asthma, we must consider several factors. Firstly, the percentage of PCPs who actively manage asthma cases is crucial. This involves assessing whether they have the necessary training, experience, and resources to provide comprehensive asthma care. This includes the ability to diagnose, prescribe appropriate medications (including inhalers and nebulizers), and develop personalized asthma action plans. Practices that consistently adhere to national asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), would receive higher scores.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care within the ZIP code is significant. While PCPs are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists or allergists is essential for patients with complex or severe asthma. The presence of specialists, whether located directly within 18357 or in nearby areas with easy access, would positively influence the Asthma Score. This also includes assessing the waiting times for appointments with specialists, as prolonged waiting times can hinder timely intervention and worsen asthma outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within the Skytop area is also vital. This involves looking for clinics or medical groups that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management. We can look for practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, track patient outcomes, and utilize patient education materials. These practices may offer extended hours, same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, and dedicated asthma educators. These practices would receive a higher rating, contributing to a better Asthma Score for the region.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for asthma management, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care may be limited. Telemedicine can be used for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. This is especially important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require frequent follow-ups.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it harder to manage the condition. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore an essential component of asthma care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who can provide support to patients struggling with the psychological impact of asthma. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma management programs would receive a higher score.

The Asthma Score for Skytop (18357) would be calculated based on the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the capacity of PCPs to manage asthma, the availability of specialists, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources would all contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in influencing asthma outcomes. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio and the capacity of PCPs to manage asthma might be given higher weights, as they directly impact the accessibility and quality of care.

The final Asthma Score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in Skytop. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more qualified physicians, and a more supportive environment for managing asthma. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of physicians, improving the capacity of PCPs to manage asthma, and expanding access to mental health resources.

This analysis provides a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Skytop, Pennsylvania, with a focus on asthma care. It underscores the importance of accessible primary care, the need for specialized expertise, and the critical role of telemedicine and mental health support. By understanding these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement to better serve their patients.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Skytop and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to explore the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with limited access to care.