18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.78 percent of the residents in 18505 has some form of health insurance. 50.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.36 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 18505 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18505. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,717 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care within Scranton, Pennsylvania's 18505 ZIP code necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, utilization of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support. An "Asthma Score," if one were to be devised, would weigh these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area. This analysis will delve into the key components of such a score, providing a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Scranton.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. The 18505 ZIP code's population, combined with the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing within the area, directly impacts access to care. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in scheduling appointments, managing chronic conditions, and receiving timely interventions during acute asthma exacerbations. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from insurance providers, is crucial for determining the current ratio. This data must be regularly updated to reflect physician turnover, retirements, and the influx of new practitioners.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians across the ZIP code is also vital. Are PCPs and pulmonologists concentrated in specific areas, creating "healthcare deserts" for residents in other parts of 18505? Analyzing geographic accessibility, considering factors like public transportation routes and the availability of parking, is essential for understanding the true accessibility of care. The "Asthma Score" would need to account for this spatial distribution, penalizing areas with limited access to qualified asthma specialists.

Standout practices within the 18505 ZIP code would likely demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management. This includes adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Successful practices would proactively utilize spirometry to diagnose and monitor asthma, regularly review patient inhaler techniques, and provide personalized asthma action plans. They would also prioritize patient education, empowering individuals to self-manage their condition effectively. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives would receive higher scores.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Virtual consultations can be used for routine follow-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education sessions. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially those that integrate remote monitoring technologies (e.g., peak flow meters, symptom trackers), would receive a higher "Asthma Score." The ease of access to these technologies, including the availability of technical support for patients, would also be considered.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or establish referral pathways to mental health professionals would be highly valued. The "Asthma Score" would reflect the availability and accessibility of these crucial resources. Collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists, and mental health providers is essential for providing holistic care.

Furthermore, the "Asthma Score" would need to consider the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacists specializing in respiratory medications. The presence of these specialists within the practice or through readily accessible referral networks enhances the quality of care. Access to specialized asthma clinics or programs, such as those focused on severe asthma management, would also positively influence the score.

Regarding primary care availability in Scranton, the analysis extends beyond the 18505 ZIP code to encompass the broader healthcare ecosystem. The overall density of PCPs in Scranton, the average wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans are key factors. The "Asthma Score" would incorporate data on the availability of after-hours care and emergency services, which are critical for managing acute asthma exacerbations.

The presence of community-based asthma programs, such as those offered by local hospitals or health organizations, would also be assessed. These programs often provide asthma education, support groups, and resources for underserved populations. The "Asthma Score" would recognize practices that actively participate in and promote these community resources.

To summarize, creating a robust "Asthma Score" for 18505 requires a data-driven approach, incorporating physician-to-patient ratios, geographic accessibility, adherence to best practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the availability of ancillary services. The score would also consider the broader primary care landscape in Scranton, including access to after-hours care and community-based asthma programs. The goal is to provide a transparent and objective assessment of asthma care quality, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and driving improvements in the delivery of asthma care within the community.

For a visual representation of the data discussed, including physician locations, population density, and accessibility to healthcare resources within the 18505 ZIP code and the broader Scranton area, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.