18370, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18370, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.66 percent of the residents in 18370 has some form of health insurance. 42.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.77 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 18370 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 341 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18370. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 171 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,005 health care providers accessible to residents in 18370, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Swiftwater, PA (ZIP Code 18370)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 18370, specifically focusing on asthma care and primary care availability in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma management.

The foundation of any asthma score lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Swiftwater, a relatively small community, presents a potential challenge. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and increased reliance on urgent care or emergency room visits, all detrimental to asthma control. Determining the precise ratio necessitates data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and potentially, private healthcare databases. This data would reveal the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, would positively influence the Asthma Score.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Practices known for their asthma-specific expertise, such as those employing certified asthma educators (CAEs), adhering to national asthma guidelines (e.g., those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), and offering comprehensive asthma action plans, would receive higher marks. Assessing this requires a review of practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, direct inquiries to the practices themselves. The presence of dedicated asthma clinics or specialized programs within a practice would significantly boost its score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices that actively utilize telehealth platforms for these purposes would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. This includes offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and readily accessible online educational materials. The ease of access to telemedicine services is especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas, which can be a factor in a less densely populated area like Swiftwater.

Mental health considerations are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma, a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, either within the primary care practices themselves or through readily accessible referrals, is critical. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established partnerships with mental health professionals would be favorably assessed. The integration of mental health services into asthma care demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being, directly impacting the overall Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within Swiftwater requires a deeper dive into the specific services offered. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive asthma management, and a patient-centered approach would be considered high-performing. This involves evaluating factors such as the availability of asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs, the frequency of follow-up appointments, and the responsiveness of the practice to patient inquiries. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs related to asthma education or prevention would also receive recognition.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score must consider the availability of specialized care. While primary care forms the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists (lung specialists) is crucial for patients with more severe or uncontrolled asthma. Assessing the proximity of pulmonology practices and the ease of referral processes from primary care physicians is essential. A well-coordinated referral network ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of care when needed.

The geographic location of Swiftwater, nestled within the Pocono Mountains, could also influence the Asthma Score. Environmental factors, such as pollen counts, air quality, and the presence of allergens, can significantly impact asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score should incorporate an assessment of local environmental data and the practices’ awareness of these factors. Do practices actively educate patients about environmental triggers and provide guidance on mitigating their impact?

The overall Asthma Score for Swiftwater, PA (ZIP Code 18370) would be a composite of these factors. Each component – physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialized care – would be assigned a weighted value based on its relative importance. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in the area.

To obtain a more granular and visually informative understanding of the healthcare resources in Swiftwater and the surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize physician locations, practice specializations, and other relevant data points, offering a powerful way to assess the accessibility and quality of asthma care in your community.