18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.90 percent of the residents in 18623 has some form of health insurance. 44.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.08 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 18623 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 501 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18623. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 490 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 401 health care providers accessible to residents in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Laceyville, PA (ZIP Code 18623)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Laceyville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18623) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility of care, the utilization of modern technologies, and the integration of mental health support. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients.

The foundation of asthma care lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in Laceyville is a crucial starting point. While precise, real-time data is often proprietary, publicly available resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs is essential for routine checkups, medication management, and early intervention in asthma exacerbations. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, signifying greater access, would positively influence the score. Furthermore, the types of PCPs available matter. Do they accept a variety of insurance plans? Are they accepting new patients? These factors directly impact accessibility.

Beyond PCPs, the presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, significantly impacts the quality of asthma care. While Laceyville may be a rural community, proximity to larger medical centers in neighboring towns like Tunkhannock or even Scranton becomes critical. The ease of access to specialist care, either through direct referrals or telehealth options, will be evaluated. The Asthma Score will reflect the availability of specialized care within a reasonable travel distance.

Identifying standout practices within the Laceyville area is essential. This involves assessing factors like patient reviews, the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and the availability of patient education materials. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including individualized treatment plans, regular monitoring of lung function, and patient empowerment, will receive higher marks. Does a practice offer spirometry testing on-site? Does it have a dedicated asthma educator? These details will influence the assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of modern healthcare, especially in rural areas like Laceyville. Telehealth offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of their asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score will consider the availability of telehealth options, including virtual appointments with PCPs and specialists, and the use of remote monitoring devices like peak flow meters that transmit data directly to the physician. Practices embracing telehealth will be viewed favorably.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, managing chronic asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the Laceyville healthcare ecosystem. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Does the practice screen for mental health issues? Are referrals readily available? Practices that prioritize mental well-being will receive a higher score.

The availability of emergency care is also a critical factor. The proximity to a hospital with a readily accessible emergency room equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is essential. The Asthma Score will reflect the accessibility of emergency care and the hospital's capacity to provide timely and effective treatment for severe asthma attacks. Travel time to the nearest hospital will be considered.

Community resources also play a role. Are there support groups for asthma patients? Does the local health department offer asthma education programs? The Asthma Score will consider the availability of community-based resources that support asthma patients and their families.

Finally, the Asthma Score will be a holistic assessment, considering all these factors. It is important to acknowledge that this analysis is based on available data and general assumptions. A precise score would require direct access to practice-level data, which is often confidential. However, the analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Laceyville and for identifying areas for improvement.

The overall Asthma Score will be a subjective assessment, reflecting the relative strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem. A high score would indicate a well-resourced environment with readily accessible care, specialist support, telehealth options, mental health integration, and strong community resources. A low score would indicate challenges in accessing care, a lack of specialized support, limited telehealth adoption, and a need for increased mental health integration and community resources.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laceyville, including physician locations, practice details, and access to resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations and data-driven insights that can help you explore the healthcare environment and identify potential gaps in care.