18462, Starrucca, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18462, Starrucca, Pennsylvania is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.92 percent of the residents in 18462 has some form of health insurance. 31.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.69 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 18462 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18462. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 100 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 569 health care providers accessible to residents in 18462, Starrucca, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18462 and Primary Care Availability in Starrucca

Analyzing the accessibility and quality of asthma care within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 18462, encompassing the town of Starrucca, Pennsylvania, and examines the availability of primary care physicians, a critical component of effective asthma management. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all factors influencing an “Asthma Score” for the region.

The foundation of asthma care often rests within the primary care setting. Regular checkups, medication management, and patient education are crucial for controlling asthma symptoms and preventing exacerbations. Therefore, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio in Starrucca is paramount. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be used to estimate the population of 18462 and cross-referenced with the number of active, practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per physician, can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time for individualized patient care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility to primary care, a positive indicator for asthma management.

Identifying standout practices within 18462 requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves examining factors such as the physicians' experience and specialization, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools like spirometry, and the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that actively participate in asthma management programs, offer comprehensive patient education materials, and have a proven track record of positive patient outcomes would receive higher marks. Reviews from patients, though subjective, provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall level of care received. These qualitative assessments, combined with quantitative data, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of practice quality.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Starrucca. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 18462 is crucial. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, those living in remote locations, or those seeking follow-up appointments. The availability of telemedicine services directly impacts the “Asthma Score,” as it improves access to care and facilitates more frequent communication between patients and physicians.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical factor in the overall “Asthma Score.” This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, who can provide counseling and support to patients struggling with the psychological effects of asthma. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential for providing holistic care. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health services demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care and contribute positively to the "Asthma Score."

Further investigation would involve researching local hospitals and their capabilities. The presence of a well-equipped emergency department capable of handling asthma exacerbations is essential. The availability of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, would also significantly improve the "Asthma Score." Access to specialized care is particularly important for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Data on hospital readmission rates for asthma exacerbations can also be a valuable indicator of the quality of care. Lower readmission rates suggest more effective asthma management and control.

The analysis should also consider the accessibility of pharmacies within the ZIP code. Easy access to medications, including both rescue inhalers and maintenance medications, is crucial for asthma management. The availability of pharmacies with extended hours and online prescription refill services further enhances accessibility. Pharmacies that offer medication counseling and provide patient education materials also contribute positively to the overall care ecosystem.

Assessing the "Asthma Score" requires a holistic evaluation of all these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, access to specialized care, and the accessibility of pharmacies all contribute to the overall score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in asthma management. For instance, a low physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of high-quality primary care practices would likely be weighted more heavily than the availability of a single pharmacy with extended hours.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in 18462. By systematically evaluating these factors, we can gain a more accurate picture of the accessibility and quality of care available to residents of Starrucca. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement, advocate for increased resources, and ultimately improve the lives of individuals living with asthma.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 18462, including the locations of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and mental health resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows for a comprehensive and dynamic visualization of healthcare data, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and community planners.