18642, Duryea, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18642, Duryea, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.91 percent of the residents in 18642 has some form of health insurance. 43.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.80 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 18642 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18642. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,000 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,102 health care providers accessible to residents in 18642, Duryea, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides an assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality within ZIP code 18642, focusing on Duryea, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers factors crucial to asthma management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of qualified primary care physicians. Duryea, within the 18642 ZIP code, presents a specific landscape that needs careful examination. While precise physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and depend on data sources, general trends can be observed. A limited number of primary care physicians in a given area can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management interventions. The absence of readily available primary care can force patients to seek care in emergency rooms or urgent care facilities, leading to higher healthcare costs and potentially less effective asthma control.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are critical. Practices that prioritize asthma management through established protocols and patient education often yield better outcomes. This includes providing comprehensive asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, and education on proper inhaler technique. Practices that actively engage in patient follow-up and medication adherence monitoring are also vital. This is where the identification of "standout practices" becomes important. These are the practices that excel in providing patient-centered asthma care.

Identifying these standout practices involves evaluating several factors. First, the presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the practice or readily accessible through referral networks is a significant advantage. These specialists possess advanced expertise in managing complex asthma cases. Second, the availability of on-site respiratory therapists or nurses trained in asthma management can provide valuable support and education to patients. Third, the practice's commitment to patient education is paramount. This includes providing educational materials, conducting asthma workshops, and offering individual counseling sessions.

The integration of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, especially in areas with limited physician availability. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and minimizing travel time. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine can also be used for medication management, asthma education, and remote monitoring of lung function. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in Duryea is an important factor to assess. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care to their patients.

Mental health considerations are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are critically important. Asthma can be a chronic and debilitating condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and worsen overall health outcomes. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and asthma and provide access to mental health resources are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes offering on-site counseling services, referring patients to mental health specialists, and educating patients about the importance of mental health self-care.

A comprehensive asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 18642 would consider all the above factors. It would evaluate the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate better access to high-quality asthma care. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement. The evaluation could be based on a scoring system that assigns points to each factor. For example, a practice with a board-certified allergist on staff might receive a higher score than a practice without one. A practice that offers telemedicine services might receive a higher score than a practice that does not. A practice that provides access to mental health resources might receive a higher score than a practice that does not.

The analysis would also consider the overall accessibility of care. This includes factors such as wait times for appointments, the availability of evening and weekend appointments, and the ease of access to transportation. The analysis would also consider the affordability of care. This includes factors such as the cost of physician visits, the cost of medications, and the availability of financial assistance programs.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and concise overview of the asthma care landscape in Duryea. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to improve asthma care accessibility and quality. The analysis should also highlight the best practices in asthma management and identify areas where additional resources are needed.

Ultimately, the success of asthma management in Duryea depends on a collaborative effort between patients, healthcare providers, and the community. Patients must actively participate in their care by following their asthma action plans, taking their medications as prescribed, and attending regular check-ups. Healthcare providers must provide high-quality, patient-centered care that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of their patients. The community must support asthma awareness and education initiatives and advocate for policies that improve access to care.

For a more detailed, visual, and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Duryea, including the location of primary care physicians, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps provide an invaluable resource for visualizing healthcare data and identifying areas of need. Explore the CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Duryea and make informed decisions about your health.