18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.78 percent of the residents in 18421 has some form of health insurance. 41.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.92 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 18421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 874 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 877 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,588 health care providers accessible to residents in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18421 and Primary Care in Forest City

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 18421, focusing on the town of Forest City, Pennsylvania. We will assess the landscape of primary care providers, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a proposed "Asthma Score" for the area. This score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to asthma patients in Forest City, PA.

Forest City, a small borough in northeastern Pennsylvania, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The town's demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, play a crucial role in understanding the prevalence and management of asthma. Furthermore, the availability of healthcare professionals, particularly primary care physicians, directly impacts the quality of care accessible to residents.

One of the primary factors in evaluating asthma care is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility to medical professionals. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Forest City requires data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local hospital systems. This data will allow us to assess the current availability of primary care physicians and specialists who can manage asthma, such as pulmonologists and allergists.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is another critical aspect of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management, such as those employing evidence-based treatment guidelines, offering patient education programs, and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, deserve recognition. These practices often have a positive impact on patient outcomes and can serve as models for other providers in the area. We will investigate practices that are known for their expertise in asthma care, their patient satisfaction scores, and their commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Forest City. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments. It can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients' asthma symptoms, allowing physicians to intervene quickly if necessary. We will evaluate the extent to which primary care providers in 18421 utilize telemedicine platforms for asthma management, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is crucial. We will assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices and the community. This includes identifying whether practices offer on-site counseling, referrals to mental health specialists, and educational resources for patients and their families.

To create an "Asthma Score" for Forest City, we will consider several factors. First, the physician-to-patient ratio will be assessed, with a higher ratio receiving a higher score. Second, the presence of standout practices with a demonstrated commitment to asthma care will be evaluated. Third, the adoption of telemedicine for asthma management will be considered, with practices utilizing telemedicine receiving a higher score. Finally, the integration of mental health resources will be assessed, with practices offering comprehensive mental health support receiving a higher score. The scores for each factor will be weighted based on their relative importance in asthma management, and the overall "Asthma Score" will be a composite of these weighted scores.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the resources available to asthma patients in Forest City. The "Asthma Score" will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, allow providers to identify areas for improvement, and inform policymakers about the need for additional resources and support.

The findings of this analysis will be presented in a way that is easy to understand and interpret. The "Asthma Score" will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate the score, as well as recommendations for improving asthma care in Forest City. This analysis will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving the health and well-being of asthma patients in this community.

The data required for this analysis includes information on the number of primary care physicians and specialists in the area, the number of patients they serve, the services they offer, and their use of telemedicine. This data will be gathered from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, local hospital systems, and healthcare provider directories. The data will be analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and patterns in asthma care.

The final "Asthma Score" will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare in Forest City. As new providers enter the area, as existing practices adopt new technologies, and as the community's needs change, the "Asthma Score" will be updated to reflect these changes. This ongoing monitoring will ensure that the "Asthma Score" remains a relevant and useful tool for assessing the quality of asthma care in Forest City.

To visualize and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and the factors affecting asthma care in Forest City, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to explore and analyze geographic data, allowing you to identify patterns and trends that might not be apparent through other methods. They can help you visualize physician density, access to mental health services, and other relevant factors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in 18421. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain deeper insights into this critical healthcare issue.