18433, Jermyn, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18433, Jermyn, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.85 percent of the residents in 18433 has some form of health insurance. 31.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.45 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 18433 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,301 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18433. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,252 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,027 health care providers accessible to residents in 18433, Jermyn, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 18433, encompassing Jermyn, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. An “Asthma Score,” though not a standardized metric, can be constructed by evaluating key indicators. This analysis will delve into physician availability, healthcare infrastructure, and patient support systems, providing a nuanced understanding of the care landscape for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. Jermyn, as a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: potentially lower physician-to-patient ratios compared to urban centers. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) accepting new patients is a crucial metric. A scarcity of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and increased reliance on emergency room visits, all negatively impacting asthma control. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP Code, their patient load, and their willingness to accept new patients forms a critical component of our Asthma Score.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of care provided is paramount. This involves examining the practices and resources available to PCPs. Do they have access to spirometry testing, a vital tool for diagnosing and monitoring asthma? Do they offer patient education programs, teaching individuals how to manage their condition effectively? Are they familiar with the latest asthma guidelines and treatment protocols? Practices that prioritize comprehensive asthma management, incorporating these elements, would receive higher scores within our framework.

The presence of specialist care is another critical factor. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) is often necessary for complex cases or when asthma is poorly controlled. The proximity of pulmonologists, the ease of referral pathways, and the availability of specialized diagnostic services (such as allergy testing) all contribute to the overall Asthma Score. A lack of readily available specialist care could indicate a significant weakness in the asthma care infrastructure.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly in rural settings. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists in Jermyn is a crucial consideration. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient education resources would receive higher scores. Telemedicine can facilitate more frequent check-ins, improve medication adherence, and empower patients to take a more active role in their asthma management.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and this is particularly true for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can be a source of anxiety, stress, and even depression. The availability of mental health resources within Jermyn is therefore a vital component of our Asthma Score analysis. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (therapists, psychiatrists) in the area, their integration with primary care practices, and the availability of support groups or educational programs focused on managing the psychological impact of asthma. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and offer integrated care would receive higher scores.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 18433 would be assessed based on these criteria. We would look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including proactive patient education, regular follow-up appointments, and a focus on patient empowerment. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated mental health services would be considered standout performers. Conversely, practices lacking these resources would receive lower scores, highlighting areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a higher likelihood of patients seeking care in emergency rooms. The ideal physician-to-patient ratio varies depending on the population's demographics and healthcare needs. However, a ratio that is significantly lower than the national average would be a red flag.

Beyond the availability of care, the affordability of care is another critical factor. The Asthma Score analysis would consider the insurance acceptance rates of local practices, the availability of financial assistance programs for asthma medications, and the overall cost of healthcare services. Practices that are transparent about their fees and offer affordable care options would receive higher scores.

The availability of pharmacies and the ease of medication access are also important considerations. The Asthma Score would take into account the number of pharmacies within Jermyn, their hours of operation, and their ability to provide asthma medications in a timely manner. Pharmacies that offer medication counseling and provide convenient services, such as online refills and home delivery, would be viewed favorably.

In conclusion, constructing an Asthma Score for Jermyn (ZIP Code 18433) involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. While a specific numerical score cannot be provided without a detailed data collection process, the analysis would focus on physician availability, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the affordability of care. This analysis would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jermyn and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, practice characteristics, and healthcare resource availability, providing a powerful tool for assessing asthma care and identifying opportunities for improvement. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive perspective on the healthcare ecosystem in Jermyn.