18424, Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18424, Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.51 percent of the residents in 18424 has some form of health insurance. 41.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.26 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 18424 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 994 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18424. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,080 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,477 health care providers accessible to residents in 18424, Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below evaluates asthma care and primary care access within ZIP code 18424, encompassing Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. The aim is to provide an informed perspective on healthcare resources, physician availability, and the overall landscape for managing asthma and accessing primary care services. We will explore factors impacting the quality of care and highlight specific aspects of the healthcare ecosystem.

The concept of an "Asthma Score" is a useful construct for evaluating the quality and accessibility of asthma-related healthcare services. It would encompass several key metrics, including the number of pulmonologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita, the availability of asthma-specific education programs, the adoption of telemedicine for asthma management, the presence of mental health support services, and the overall patient experience. However, obtaining precise, real-time data for a specific score is challenging due to the dynamic nature of healthcare information.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. In Gouldsboro (18424), the availability of PCPs is a crucial factor in managing chronic conditions like asthma. A higher PCP-to-patient ratio suggests greater ease of access for routine check-ups, medication refills, and referrals to specialists. The ratio of pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases, including asthma) to the population is equally important. A lower ratio may indicate that patients may experience longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments.

Standout practices in Gouldsboro and its surrounding areas would likely exhibit several characteristics. These could include a dedicated asthma clinic or a practice with a specific focus on respiratory health. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) is a significant advantage, as they provide patients with crucial education on asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management techniques. Practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals are also more likely to offer streamlined care, including appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and secure communication with healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, and its impact is particularly relevant for asthma management. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. This is particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms can improve patient convenience and potentially reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in the context of asthma care, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for providing comprehensive care. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being.

Specific practices in the 18424 area would need to be individually evaluated to determine their "Asthma Score." This would involve gathering data on physician availability, the presence of specialized asthma services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Information could be gathered from various sources, including insurance provider directories, online reviews, and direct contact with healthcare practices.

The overall primary care availability in Gouldsboro is a key determinant of asthma care access. A robust primary care network ensures that patients have a medical home where they can receive coordinated care. PCPs play a crucial role in diagnosing asthma, managing medications, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. The presence of urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics can also improve access to care, particularly for acute asthma exacerbations.

The healthcare landscape in the 18424 ZIP code is likely to be affected by broader trends in healthcare. These include the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the aging population, and the growing demand for telehealth services. Healthcare providers must adapt to these changes to provide effective and accessible care. This includes investing in technology, expanding access to mental health services, and promoting patient education and self-management.

A comprehensive analysis of the healthcare resources in Gouldsboro would also consider the socio-economic factors that affect health outcomes. These include income levels, access to transportation, and health insurance coverage. Addressing these factors is essential for ensuring that all residents have equal access to quality healthcare.

The evaluation of asthma care and primary care availability in Gouldsboro would benefit from a geographic information system (GIS) analysis. A GIS platform can be used to map the distribution of healthcare providers, identify areas with limited access to care, and analyze the relationship between healthcare resources and population demographics.

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Gouldsboro, including a visual representation of physician locations, practice specializations, and potential areas of healthcare need, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed geographic analysis of healthcare resources in the 18424 area.