18636, Noxen, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18636, Noxen, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 18636 has some form of health insurance. 42.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.08 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 18636 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 336 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18636. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 356 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,929 health care providers accessible to residents in 18636, Noxen, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Noxen, PA (ZIP Code 18636)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Noxen, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18636) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the number of physicians but also the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support. This analysis will attempt to construct an "Asthma Score" based on these factors, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. Within the 18636 ZIP code itself, the direct presence of specialized pulmonologists or allergists might be limited. Therefore, the analysis must extend beyond the immediate geographic boundaries to encompass the surrounding areas, including nearby towns and cities like Dallas, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton. This broader perspective is crucial for determining the effective physician-to-patient ratio. While precise ratios require access to patient demographics and physician databases, a preliminary assessment can be made by researching the number of board-certified pulmonologists and allergists practicing within a reasonable driving distance (e.g., 30-45 minutes) of Noxen. This information, combined with population estimates for the service area, allows for a rough estimate of the availability of specialists.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in asthma management, serving as the first point of contact and providing ongoing care. The availability of PCPs in Noxen is therefore a key factor. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of practicing PCPs, their patient load, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. Data on appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance accepted are all important indicators of accessibility. Furthermore, the presence of urgent care clinics and walk-in facilities in the vicinity can supplement the availability of primary care, offering alternative avenues for immediate asthma-related concerns.

Standout practices within the region often distinguish themselves through a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This might involve incorporating asthma education programs for patients and families, offering in-office pulmonary function testing (PFTs), and utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate coordinated care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control and medication adherence, are particularly noteworthy. Identifying these practices requires reviewing online patient reviews, researching practice websites, and potentially contacting local healthcare organizations to gather information on best practices and innovative approaches to asthma management.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like asthma, offering patients convenient access to care, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is a significant component of the Asthma Score. This involves assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations for asthma management, medication refills, and follow-up appointments. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to physicians, can further enhance the quality of care. Practices that proactively embrace telemedicine technologies demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved outcomes.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact disease management. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is essential. This involves evaluating the availability of mental health professionals within the practices or through referrals, as well as the presence of programs that address the psychological aspects of asthma. Practices that collaborate with mental health providers and offer integrated care demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being, contributing positively to the Asthma Score.

The overall Asthma Score for Noxen (18636) will be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment characterized by a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, accessible primary care, innovative practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources. A lower score would reflect challenges in one or more of these areas, such as limited access to specialists, long wait times for appointments, or a lack of telemedicine options. The score is not a static number but rather a reflection of the dynamic healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of providers to improve asthma care.

Specific examples of standout practices might include those offering asthma education classes led by certified respiratory therapists, providing personalized asthma action plans, and actively engaging patients in their own care. These practices often utilize technology to improve communication and coordination of care, such as patient portals for secure messaging and appointment scheduling. They might also participate in research studies or quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing asthma outcomes. The presence of these types of practices within a reasonable distance of Noxen would significantly boost the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the presence of community resources that support asthma management. This includes organizations that provide asthma education, support groups, and financial assistance for medications and medical devices. The availability of these resources can supplement the care provided by healthcare providers, creating a more comprehensive support system for individuals with asthma. This component is important for a holistic assessment of the healthcare environment.

The analysis also needs to consider the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Factors such as poverty, lack of health insurance, and limited access to transportation can create barriers to accessing care and managing asthma effectively. The Asthma Score should reflect these challenges, taking into account the availability of resources to address these disparities.

Finally, the Asthma Score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the opening of new practices, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new programs. This ongoing monitoring ensures that the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the quality of asthma care in Noxen (18636).

To truly visualize the healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and weakness, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can overlay data on physician locations, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and other relevant factors. This visual representation can help you identify gaps in care and areas where resources are needed most. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in Noxen and beyond.