18510, Scranton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18510, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.29 percent of the residents in 18510 has some form of health insurance. 37.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.96 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 18510 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18510. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,855 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,022 health care providers accessible to residents in 18510, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18510)

The health of a community, particularly concerning chronic conditions like asthma, is a complex interplay of factors. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care within Scranton, PA's 18510 ZIP code, focusing on asthma management. We’ll assess the healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive asthma care.

Scranton, a city grappling with economic challenges and a history tied to industry, presents a unique healthcare environment. The 18510 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of the city, likely reflects the broader socio-economic realities influencing health outcomes. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, can be exacerbated by environmental factors like air quality, housing conditions, and access to care. Therefore, a thorough assessment of primary care is critical.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 18510 is paramount. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local hospital systems (e.g., Geisinger, Commonwealth Health) should be consulted. This data will reveal whether the area is experiencing a shortage of primary care physicians, potentially impacting asthma patients’ ability to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management.

Identifying standout practices within 18510 is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in asthma management, incorporating evidence-based guidelines and patient-centered care. To assess this, we need to look for practices that: offer comprehensive asthma action plans, provide patient education on triggers and medication use, monitor lung function regularly, and collaborate effectively with pulmonologists and other specialists. Reviews from patients, ratings from health insurance providers, and recognition from medical organizations can help identify these high-performing practices.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages: it can reduce the need for in-person visits, making it easier for patients to access care, especially those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. It also facilitates remote monitoring of lung function and medication adherence. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in 18510 is vital. Do they offer virtual consultations? Do they use remote monitoring devices? Are they equipped to provide medication refills and patient education through telehealth platforms?

Mental health is often intertwined with physical health, especially in chronic conditions like asthma. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. Do practices in 18510 have integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers? Are they screening patients for anxiety and depression? Addressing the mental health needs of asthma patients is an integral part of comprehensive care.

Analyzing the environmental factors within 18510 is also necessary. Air quality, housing conditions, and access to green spaces can all impact asthma triggers and severity. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on air quality monitoring stations in the area, combined with information on housing conditions from local government sources, can provide a comprehensive picture of the environmental challenges faced by asthma patients. This information helps identify potential triggers and inform strategies for prevention and management.

Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis should incorporate data on asthma prevalence within the 18510 ZIP code. Public health agencies and local hospitals often collect data on asthma diagnoses and hospitalizations. This data provides a baseline for understanding the burden of asthma in the community and allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of current interventions. Comparing asthma prevalence rates to state and national averages can highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The quality of care also depends on the availability of specialized asthma resources. Access to pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists is crucial for managing severe asthma cases. Evaluating the proximity of these specialists to the 18510 ZIP code and assessing the ease of referral from primary care practices is important. Efficient communication and collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care.

Patient education and self-management are critical components of asthma care. Primary care practices should provide patients with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their condition effectively. This includes education on asthma triggers, medication use, and asthma action plans. Assessing the availability of patient education materials, support groups, and asthma education programs within the 18510 ZIP code is essential.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Primary care practices are increasingly adopting innovative approaches to improve asthma care. These include the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, the implementation of care coordination programs, and the integration of community health workers to provide support to patients. Evaluating the adoption of these innovations within the 18510 ZIP code can help identify practices that are at the forefront of asthma management.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma score in Scranton's 18510 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources, environmental factors, and specialized care. The data gathered from these areas will provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify opportunities for improvement in asthma management.

For an even deeper dive into this data and to visualize the healthcare landscape of Scranton, PA, and beyond, consider exploring the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can transform complex health data into easily understandable visual representations, allowing you to identify patterns, pinpoint areas of need, and ultimately, improve healthcare access and outcomes.