18621, Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18621, Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.55 percent of the residents in 18621 has some form of health insurance. 34.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.55 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 18621 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 934 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18621. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,113 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,883 health care providers accessible to residents in 18621, Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on asthma care within the 18621 ZIP code, specifically examining the accessibility and quality of primary care in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania. This assessment considers several key factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all relevant to managing asthma effectively.

Hunlock Creek, nestled within Luzerne County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The rural nature of the area often presents challenges regarding healthcare access. Evaluating asthma care necessitates understanding the resources available to patients in this specific geographical context. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatments. Assessing the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 18621 ZIP code, and specifically those accepting new patients, is essential. This number needs to be compared against the estimated population of Hunlock Creek and the surrounding areas to determine the ratio. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with information from the American Medical Association, is vital to this process.

Standout medical practices are those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This involves assessing several aspects of their operations. Do they have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses? Do they follow the latest guidelines for asthma treatment and management, such as those provided by the National Institutes of Health? Do they offer patient education programs on asthma triggers, medication usage, and self-management techniques? Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and track patient outcomes will likely demonstrate superior care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by providing remote consultations, medication management, and patient monitoring. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Hunlock Creek is crucial. Are they offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits or medication refills? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices for patients with severe asthma? Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available in the local area.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, but they are critically important. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices should ideally have access to mental health professionals, either through in-house services or referral networks. Assessing the availability of these resources within the 18621 ZIP code is essential. Are there mental health professionals practicing locally? Do primary care physicians screen patients for mental health issues? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health services?

Specific practices within the 18621 ZIP code should be investigated. This requires gathering information on their services, staffing, and patient outcomes. This information can be obtained through online research, patient reviews, and direct contact with the practices. Consider the following questions: Does a specific practice stand out for its commitment to asthma care? Are there any practices that have been recognized for their quality of care or patient satisfaction? What is the average wait time for appointments at different practices? What insurance plans do they accept?

The analysis should also consider the availability of urgent care facilities and emergency rooms within a reasonable distance of Hunlock Creek. Asthma exacerbations can be life-threatening, and prompt access to medical care is crucial. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these facilities is a critical aspect of the overall asthma score. This involves considering factors such as travel time, hours of operation, and the availability of specialized asthma care within these facilities.

The overall ‘Asthma Score’ for ‘doctors in ZIP Code 18621’ and ‘primary care availability in Hunlock Creek’ will be a composite score. This score should reflect the weighted importance of each of the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score should also reflect the accessibility of urgent care and emergency services.

The final score can be presented on a scale, such as a percentage or a letter grade. The higher the score, the better the overall asthma care environment. The analysis should also include specific recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area, promoting telemedicine adoption, or enhancing mental health resources.

The analysis should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with supporting data and evidence. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment of asthma care in Hunlock Creek. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality of asthma care in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hunlock Creek, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome.