18503, Scranton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18503, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.52 percent of the residents in 18503 has some form of health insurance. 26.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.14 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 18503 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 61 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18503. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 211 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,026 health care providers accessible to residents in 18503, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18503)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Scranton, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 18503 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, a critical factor in asthma management, while also assessing the broader healthcare infrastructure and the presence of innovative approaches like telemedicine and mental health support, all crucial components of an effective asthma score.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In 18503, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A lower ratio, signifying more patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up appointments, all detrimental to asthma control. Data on this ratio should be meticulously gathered from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare networks. This data needs to be considered within the context of the overall population demographics of 18503, including age distribution, socioeconomic factors, and prevalence of asthma within the community.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices’ adherence to asthma guidelines, their use of evidence-based treatments, and their commitment to patient education. Assessing this requires examining the clinical outcomes of patients treated by these practices. This could involve analyzing data on asthma exacerbations (emergency room visits, hospitalizations), medication adherence, and patient-reported quality of life. The practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability are also important. EHRs facilitate better care coordination, allowing for seamless information sharing between specialists, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers.

Identifying standout practices within 18503 is crucial. These practices may demonstrate exceptional performance in asthma management, perhaps through specialized asthma clinics, dedicated respiratory therapists, or innovative patient education programs. These practices should be thoroughly investigated, their successes documented, and best practices shared to improve overall asthma care in the area. This assessment should include patient satisfaction surveys, reviews, and testimonials to gauge the patient experience.

Telemedicine is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, and its adoption in asthma management can significantly improve patient outcomes. Telemedicine offers opportunities for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication adjustments. The availability of telemedicine services within primary care practices in 18503 should be assessed. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the frequency of their use, and patient satisfaction with these services. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide valuable insights into its implementation and effectiveness.

Asthma is often linked to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, which can worsen asthma symptoms and impact overall quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices and in the broader Scranton healthcare system is therefore a critical component of the asthma score. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care. Practices that prioritize mental health support for their asthma patients are likely to achieve better outcomes.

Primary care availability in Scranton, beyond the specific ZIP code, is another factor to consider. Patients in 18503 may seek care outside their immediate area, particularly if they have specialized needs or are seeking specific providers. Analyzing the accessibility of primary care across Scranton, including transportation options and the availability of evening and weekend appointments, provides a more comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources, such as asthma support groups, educational programs offered by local hospitals or health organizations, and access to affordable medications. The presence of these resources can supplement the care provided by primary care physicians and contribute to better asthma control.

A comprehensive asthma score for doctors in 18503 and primary care availability in Scranton should be based on a weighted system. The physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to asthma guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources should be assigned specific weights based on their relative importance. The score should be transparent and easily understandable, providing patients with valuable information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This analysis requires a commitment to data collection, analysis, and ongoing monitoring. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the asthma score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the availability of care, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of best practices. The analysis should be a living document, continually refined and improved to provide the most accurate and relevant information.

By combining quantitative data with qualitative assessments, this analysis can provide a detailed picture of asthma care in Scranton, PA, and identify areas for improvement. This will require a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, public health officials, and community stakeholders.

This analysis, once compiled, can be visualized and explored using interactive mapping tools. For detailed mapping and geographic analysis of healthcare resources in Scranton, PA, and other areas, explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps.