18371, Tamiment, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18371, Tamiment, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18371 has some form of health insurance. 73.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.26 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 18371 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 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18371. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,866 health care providers accessible to residents in 18371, Tamiment, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Tamiment (ZIP Code 18371)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within the Tamiment, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18371) area necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components for a comprehensive 'Asthma Score'. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic region.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. Determining this ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing within the 18371 ZIP code, or within a reasonable commuting distance. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association (AMA), and local hospital systems would be essential for this calculation. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, would negatively impact the 'Asthma Score'. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to care, potentially leading to improved asthma management. The population demographics of Tamiment, including age distribution and prevalence of asthma, would also need consideration to accurately interpret this ratio.

Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating the quality of care provided. This involves assessing factors like the expertise of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment (e.g., spirometry), and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Information on patient satisfaction, obtained through surveys or online reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), can offer valuable insights. Accreditation by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or recognition for asthma care excellence would be highly positive indicators. Practices that proactively offer patient education programs, personalized asthma action plans, and regular follow-up appointments would also score favorably. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice is a significant advantage, as these professionals provide specialized training and support to patients.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Tamiment. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by reducing travel time and facilitating remote consultations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services for asthma management involves identifying practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring of lung function, and electronic prescription services. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's overall care plan are all relevant factors. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma management programs, providing convenient and accessible care, would receive a higher 'Asthma Score' component.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in the context of asthma management, yet they are incredibly important. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health support is a crucial element of comprehensive asthma care. This involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the local healthcare system or accessible through referral networks. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns, provide referrals to mental health specialists, and integrate mental health support into their asthma management plans would receive a higher score. Collaboration between pulmonologists, PCPs, and mental health professionals is essential for providing holistic care.

Analyzing these elements, the 'Asthma Score' would be determined based on a weighted average of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio would contribute a significant portion, reflecting the fundamental access to care. The quality of care, as measured by the presence of standout practices, would also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources would contribute smaller, but still important, portions to the overall score.

The analysis process should also consider the geographical distribution of healthcare providers within the 18371 ZIP code. Are there significant disparities in access to care within the area? Are certain neighborhoods underserved? This spatial analysis can reveal important insights into the accessibility of asthma care.

This 'Asthma Score' analysis is not a static evaluation. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving understanding of asthma management. The analysis should be transparent, clearly outlining the data sources, the methodology, and any limitations.

The results of this analysis can be used to inform various stakeholders. Patients can use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. Healthcare providers can use the analysis to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Public health officials can use the information to identify areas where resources are needed to improve asthma care.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma in the Tamiment area. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, this analysis can help to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This requires ongoing monitoring and a commitment to providing the best possible care for individuals managing asthma.

For a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care in the 18371 ZIP code, explore the potential of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can bring this data to life, providing a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of asthma care in Tamiment.