18434, Jessup, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18434, Jessup, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.33 percent of the residents in 18434 has some form of health insurance. 46.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.69 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 18434 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 890 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18434. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 652 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,065 health care providers accessible to residents in 18434, Jessup, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Jessup, PA (ZIP Code 18434)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 18434 (Jessup, Pennsylvania), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and other contributing factors. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the overall landscape for asthma patients seeking diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all crucial for effective asthma care.

Jessup, a small borough in Lackawanna County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its size and demographics influence resource allocation and accessibility. The Asthma Score aims to reflect these local realities.

**Primary Care Physician Availability & Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A fundamental aspect of asthma care is access to a PCP. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for diagnosis and treatment, managing chronic conditions like asthma. Evaluating PCP availability involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within Jessup and the surrounding areas. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per resident, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care.

Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio for Jessup requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This data would need to be analyzed to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the population they serve. The analysis should also consider the proximity of neighboring towns and cities, as residents may seek care outside of Jessup. For example, Scranton is a major city nearby, which can impact the availability of specialists and primary care.

The availability of PCPs also encompasses factors like insurance acceptance. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, generally increase accessibility. Conversely, practices that are not accepting new patients or have limited insurance coverage can restrict access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying "standout" practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care delivered. This assessment involves examining several factors:

* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide insights into patient experiences. Analyzing these reviews reveals patterns in patient satisfaction, wait times, communication, and overall care quality.
* **Specialization and Expertise:** Some practices may have physicians with specific training or experience in asthma management. Identifying practices with board-certified allergists or pulmonologists, or those with a demonstrated focus on asthma care, would significantly boost their ranking.
* **Asthma Management Protocols:** Practices that adhere to established asthma management guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are likely to provide higher-quality care. This includes implementing asthma action plans, conducting regular spirometry testing, and providing patient education.
* **Coordination of Care:** Effective asthma management often requires coordination between the PCP, specialists, and other healthcare providers. Practices that actively coordinate care, share patient information efficiently, and collaborate with specialists would be considered more effective.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining the extent to which practices in Jessup offer telehealth services.

* **Availability of Telehealth Appointments:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication adjustments, or patient education?
* **Technology Infrastructure:** Do practices have the necessary technology infrastructure, such as secure video conferencing platforms and electronic health records (EHR) integration, to support telehealth services?
* **Patient Access and Support:** Do practices provide technical support to patients who may be unfamiliar with telehealth platforms? Are they accessible to patients with limited internet access or digital literacy?
* **Impact on Access and Adherence:** Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can also increase adherence to treatment plans by making it easier for patients to connect with their physicians.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

Asthma can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among individuals with asthma, particularly those with poorly controlled symptoms. Access to mental health resources is therefore crucial for comprehensive asthma care.

* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do PCPs or practices in Jessup have partnerships with mental health providers? Do they screen patients for mental health conditions and provide referrals when needed?
* **Availability of Counseling and Therapy:** Is there access to therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists within the community?
* **Support Groups and Educational Programs:** Are there asthma support groups or educational programs available to help patients manage their condition and address mental health concerns?
* **Awareness and Education:** Do practices educate patients about the link between asthma and mental health?

**Asthma Score Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed above, an "Asthma Score" for Jessup, PA (ZIP Code 18434) would be determined by assigning weights to each category (PCP availability, standout practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources). The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community.

To accurately determine the score, detailed data collection and analysis are essential. This would involve gathering information from various sources, including healthcare providers, patient reviews, public health data, and community resources. The score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and guide efforts to enhance asthma care in Jessup.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Jessup, including the locations of practices, physician availability, and other relevant data, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and gain a better understanding of the asthma care resources in your area.