18630, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18630, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.10 percent of the residents in 18630 has some form of health insurance. 46.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.91 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 18630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 670 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18630. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 567 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 234 health care providers accessible to residents in 18630, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts quality of life, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare. This analysis focuses on evaluating asthma care within ZIP code 18630 (Meshoppen, Pennsylvania) and the surrounding region, considering factors like physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, which are crucial for effective asthma management. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of asthma care relies on accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Meshoppen, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, compromised asthma management. To accurately assess this, we need to consider the total population of 18630 and the number of practicing PCPs within a reasonable geographic radius. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association (AMA) would be essential to determine the current ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the 'Asthma Score'.

Beyond simple numbers, the type of primary care available matters. Are the PCPs accepting new patients? Do they have experience in treating asthma, and are they up-to-date on the latest asthma guidelines? The presence of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists in the area would significantly boost the 'Asthma Score', as these specialists provide expert care for complex asthma cases. However, if patients need to travel long distances to see specialists, it will negatively impact the score.

Standout practices in Meshoppen should be identified. These are clinics or individual physicians who demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This could include practices that: offer extended hours, have dedicated asthma educators, provide comprehensive asthma action plans, actively monitor patient adherence to medication, and participate in quality improvement initiatives. Information about patient satisfaction, as measured through surveys or online reviews, would be valuable. Positive patient experiences would be a strong indicator of high-quality care and a positive impact on the 'Asthma Score'.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Meshoppen. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially beneficial for those with asthma who may experience difficulty breathing. The 'Asthma Score' would be improved by practices that offer telemedicine appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and asthma education. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would also positively impact the score.

Asthma is not just a physical disease; it often has significant mental health implications. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and untreated mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. The 'Asthma Score' must consider the availability of mental health resources in the Meshoppen area. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their asthma care would receive a higher score. Collaboration between PCPs, mental health professionals, and asthma specialists is essential for comprehensive patient care.

Medication access is another critical component. The 'Asthma Score' needs to consider the ease with which patients can obtain their asthma medications. This includes the presence of pharmacies in the area, the availability of affordable medications (considering insurance coverage and generic options), and support programs for patients who struggle to afford their medications. Practices that assist patients in navigating insurance coverage and accessing patient assistance programs would contribute positively to the score.

The quality of asthma education is also important. Patients need to understand their disease, how to use their medications correctly, and how to manage their asthma triggers. Practices that provide asthma education classes, offer personalized asthma action plans, and regularly review these plans with patients would receive a higher score. The availability of educational materials in multiple languages would also enhance the score.

The 'Asthma Score' would be determined by analyzing these factors. A high score would indicate excellent asthma care, with readily available physicians, telemedicine options, strong mental health support, and easy access to medications and education. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health resources. The score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of healthcare providers to improve asthma care.

Data collection is key. This analysis requires gathering information from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the AMA, local hospitals and clinics, insurance providers, and patient surveys. The data would need to be regularly updated to ensure the 'Asthma Score' remains accurate and relevant. This ongoing monitoring would allow for the identification of trends and the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving asthma care.

Finally, the 'Asthma Score' is not just a numerical value; it's a tool for informing patients, providers, and policymakers. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Meshoppen, stakeholders can work together to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately, improve the lives of asthma patients.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize the data points, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Meshoppen and the surrounding areas.