18414, Dalton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18414, Dalton, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.21 percent of the residents in 18414 has some form of health insurance. 33.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.20 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 18414 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,149 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18414. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,224 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,619 health care providers accessible to residents in 18414, Dalton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Dalton, PA (ZIP Code 18414)

Analyzing the availability of quality asthma care within Dalton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18414) requires a multifaceted approach, moving beyond simple physician counts. This analysis, focusing on primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practice features, and integrated mental health resources, aims to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of asthma care often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the availability of PCPs in Dalton is crucial. This involves determining the total number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, insurance provider directories, and online physician databases will be essential for this initial count. Crucially, the analysis needs to differentiate between actively practicing physicians and those who may be retired, semi-retired, or accepting new patients.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. Calculating this ratio requires estimating the population of Dalton (using US Census Bureau data) and dividing it by the number of actively practicing PCPs. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care. However, this is a simplistic view. The analysis must also consider the age distribution of the population, as children and the elderly are often disproportionately affected by asthma and may require more frequent care. Furthermore, the availability of pediatricians and geriatricians within the area should be factored in, as they often play a crucial role in managing asthma in these specific age groups.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are essential. This involves evaluating factors such as appointment wait times. Are patients able to secure appointments within a reasonable timeframe, particularly during periods of increased asthma exacerbations? Information on appointment scheduling systems, including online booking options, should be gathered. The analysis will also look at the availability of after-hours care, either through extended clinic hours, on-call physicians, or affiliations with urgent care facilities.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma management. This involves identifying practices that actively participate in asthma education programs for patients and their families. Do they offer asthma action plans tailored to individual needs? Do they have certified asthma educators on staff? The analysis should also consider the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives to monitor and improve patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare accessibility. The analysis needs to determine the extent to which primary care practices in Dalton offer telemedicine services for asthma management. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and the ability to provide medication refills electronically. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in rural areas, have mobility limitations, or find it difficult to travel to the clinic. Examining the types of telemedicine platforms used, their ease of use, and patient satisfaction with these services is crucial.

Asthma is often linked to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. The analysis needs to assess the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices in Dalton. Do these practices have integrated behavioral health services, such as therapists or counselors on staff? Do they offer referrals to mental health specialists in the community? The coordination between primary care and mental health providers is essential for comprehensive asthma care, as addressing mental health concerns can significantly improve asthma control and quality of life.

Furthermore, the analysis must investigate the availability of specialty care for asthma, such as pulmonologists and allergists, in the Dalton area and its immediate surroundings. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require specialized care. The analysis will evaluate the accessibility of these specialists, including appointment wait times and insurance coverage.

The assessment should also consider the availability of asthma-related resources in the community. This includes pharmacies with asthma medication availability, support groups for asthma patients and their families, and educational programs offered by local health organizations. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the overall quality of life for individuals with asthma.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Asthma Score" for Dalton, PA (18414) requires a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape. It’s not just about the number of doctors; it's about access, quality, innovation, and the integration of mental health support. This analysis, by considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, provides a more nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in this specific community.

For a dynamic, visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data and gain valuable insights to better understand the healthcare landscape in Dalton.