18430, Herrick Center, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18430, Herrick Center, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18430 has some form of health insurance. 42.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 18430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18430. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 971 health care providers accessible to residents in 18430, Herrick Center, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP Code 18430, encompassing Herrick Center, requires a multi-faceted approach. We will assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their capacity to manage asthma, and the availability of supporting resources. This evaluation will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of exceptional practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health services, all crucial elements in delivering comprehensive asthma care.

Herrick Center, nestled within 18430, is a rural community. This geographic context significantly influences healthcare accessibility. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, presents challenges for timely appointments and ongoing care. Researching the specific ratio within 18430 is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments would provide this vital information. This data should be compared to state and national averages to determine the relative accessibility of primary care.

Identifying standout practices requires a deep dive into local healthcare providers. This involves examining their asthma management protocols, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction scores. Publicly available information, such as online reviews, can offer insights. However, a more thorough evaluation would involve contacting local practices directly. Questions to pose include: What are the practice's specific asthma management strategies? Do they adhere to established guidelines (e.g., those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program)? How frequently do they schedule follow-up appointments for asthma patients? Do they offer patient education materials?

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor, particularly in a rural area. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely. This is especially beneficial for asthma patients who may require frequent monitoring or medication adjustments. Assessing telemedicine capabilities involves determining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services provided (e.g., medication refills, symptom checks), and the technological infrastructure in place. Do they utilize secure video conferencing platforms? Do they offer remote monitoring devices for peak flow meters or other asthma-related measurements? Practices with robust telemedicine programs can significantly improve access to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are integral to patient well-being. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within 18430 is crucial. This involves identifying mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) who accept referrals from primary care physicians. Do the local PCPs have established referral pathways for mental health support? Are there integrated behavioral health services within the primary care practices themselves? The presence of readily accessible mental health resources can significantly improve asthma patients' overall health outcomes.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialists. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma care, pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) are often needed for complex cases or severe asthma. Identifying the proximity of pulmonologists to Herrick Center and the ease of referral from local PCPs is essential. This includes assessing the waiting times for specialist appointments.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the availability of asthma education programs. These programs, offered by hospitals, clinics, or community organizations, empower patients to manage their condition effectively. They typically cover topics such as medication use, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans. Determining whether such programs exist within or near 18430 and their accessibility to local residents is crucial.

The level of care coordination is another important consideration. Effective asthma management requires seamless communication between the PCP, specialists (if involved), and the patient. Assessing how well local practices coordinate care, including the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to share information and the presence of care coordinators, is essential.

Finally, the analysis should consider the affordability of care. Asthma medications and healthcare services can be expensive. Assessing the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford their medications is vital.

In conclusion, a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' analysis for doctors in ZIP Code 18430 and primary care availability in Herrick Center necessitates a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The availability of specialists, asthma education programs, care coordination efforts, and the affordability of care are also critical factors.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 18430, including the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding the complexities of healthcare access and resource availability.