18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.47 percent of the residents in 18628 has some form of health insurance. 45.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.82 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 18628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18628. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 360 health care providers accessible to residents in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18628 and Primary Care in Lopez, PA

The assessment of healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 18628, encompassing the town of Lopez, Pennsylvania, with a particular emphasis on asthma care and primary care availability. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Asthma Score" ranking.

ZIP Code 18628, being a rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations. These include potential shortages of healthcare professionals, limited access to specialized care, and difficulties in attracting and retaining medical personnel. The "Asthma Score" will reflect these realities.

The initial component of our analysis involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios. This metric provides a fundamental understanding of the healthcare infrastructure. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can indicate potential strain on the existing medical resources. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Lopez requires accessing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. However, based on the rural nature of the area, it is reasonable to anticipate a ratio that may be less favorable compared to more urbanized regions.

The availability of primary care physicians is particularly crucial for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Primary care providers often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing routine check-ups, managing medications, and coordinating care with specialists when necessary. The presence of a robust primary care network is directly correlated with improved asthma management. In Lopez, the proximity of primary care practices and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments will significantly impact the "Asthma Score."

Identifying standout practices is a key element of this analysis. We will look for practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This includes practices that:

* Employ board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in asthma management.
* Offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs.
* Utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function.
* Provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication usage, and self-management techniques.
* Maintain a high level of patient satisfaction.
* Actively participate in community outreach programs related to asthma awareness and prevention.

The assessment of these practices will contribute significantly to the "Asthma Score." Practices that excel in these areas will receive higher rankings, reflecting their commitment to providing superior asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the evaluation. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution for rural communities, overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to healthcare. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will be recognized for their forward-thinking approach and their ability to provide convenient and accessible care. The availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered and the ease of access, will be carefully considered in the "Asthma Score" calculation.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, will receive a higher ranking. The availability of mental health support services, including the types of services offered and the ease of access, will be carefully considered in the "Asthma Score" calculation.

The "Asthma Score" itself will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources will all contribute to the final score. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear and concise understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 18628. The score will be designed to be easily understood by both healthcare professionals and patients.

The final "Asthma Score" will be presented alongside a detailed narrative analysis. This narrative will provide context and explain the rationale behind the score. It will also highlight specific strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Lopez, PA. The narrative will offer actionable recommendations for improvement.

The "Asthma Score" analysis will be a dynamic tool. It will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This will ensure that the information remains current and relevant. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The results of this analysis will provide valuable insights into the healthcare accessibility and quality in Lopez, PA. The "Asthma Score" will serve as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of asthma care and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 18628 and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and identify potential gaps in care.