18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 18640 has some form of health insurance. 46.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.40 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 18640 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,699 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18640. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,816 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18640)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18640) requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score" isn't a standardized metric, so this analysis will synthesize key factors impacting asthma management, providing an overall assessment of the landscape for patients and their families. This evaluation will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational element. A high ratio, meaning a large number of patients per primary care physician (PCP), can strain access to timely appointments and follow-up care, critical for asthma management. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available sources will be used to estimate this ratio within the 18640 ZIP code. This estimation is challenging due to the dynamic nature of physician practices and patient demographics. The analysis will consider the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, factoring in their specialties and whether they accept new patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests better access, while a high ratio raises concerns about potential delays in care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis will identify standout practices within Pittston. This involves researching practices that are known for their commitment to asthma management. This can include practices that have a high volume of asthma patients, offer specialized asthma education programs, and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Reviews from patients, if available, will be considered, looking for consistent themes of positive experiences, such as promptness, thoroughness of care, and effective communication. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice is a significant indicator of quality, as CAEs provide specialized knowledge and support to patients.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, and its adoption in asthma management is particularly relevant. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine services among primary care practices in Pittston. This includes determining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to offer a more accessible and convenient approach to asthma care, potentially improving patient outcomes.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the Pittston area, focusing on their accessibility to asthma patients. This includes identifying mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who accept referrals from primary care practices. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is a particularly positive indicator, as it allows for a more holistic approach to patient care.

The availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is also a critical factor. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, specialized care is often necessary for complex cases or for patients who are not responding well to initial treatments. The analysis will identify the presence of pulmonologists and allergists who serve the Pittston area and assess their accessibility to patients. This includes considering factors such as appointment wait times and insurance acceptance. Proximity to specialized care is crucial, as it allows for timely consultations and interventions.

The analysis will also consider the availability of asthma education programs. Asthma education empowers patients to manage their condition effectively. These programs provide patients with information about asthma triggers, medications, and self-management techniques. The presence of such programs within primary care practices or community health organizations is a positive indicator of quality care. The analysis will seek to identify any such programs that are offered in Pittston and assess their accessibility to patients.

Overall, the "Asthma Score" for Pittston, PA (18640) will be a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed. The score will reflect the overall availability and quality of asthma care in the area. The analysis will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the availability of specialized care, and the presence of asthma education programs. The higher the score, the better the access to comprehensive asthma care.

This analysis is not a definitive rating but a snapshot of the current landscape. The availability of data and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery limit the scope of this analysis. However, it aims to provide a valuable overview of the resources available to asthma patients in Pittston. The assessment will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

The findings of this analysis will be presented in a clear and concise manner, summarizing the key factors that impact asthma care in Pittston. The analysis will offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The ultimate goal is to contribute to improved asthma management and patient outcomes within the community.

To further explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to utilize the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pittston and beyond.