18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.88 percent of the residents in 18643 has some form of health insurance. 40.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.46 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 18643 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,288 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18643. 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 2,077 health care providers accessible to residents in 18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18643)

Analyzing asthma care within Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18643) requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the provision of crucial mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The score is not a single number but a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Pittston is a crucial metric. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is difficult to obtain publicly, understanding the general trends is possible. The US average physician-to-population ratio provides a benchmark. If Pittston falls below this average, it suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. Increased patient wait times and potential difficulties in securing follow-up appointments can negatively impact asthma control. Further research into local hospital affiliations, community health centers, and the presence of specialists (pulmonologists and allergists) is essential to gauge the overall availability of care.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts asthma management. Are practices equipped with the necessary tools for diagnosis and treatment? Do they adhere to established asthma guidelines? Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, offering comprehensive asthma action plans, and regularly reviewing medication regimens will receive a higher score. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma care, such as those focused on reducing hospital readmissions, also deserve recognition.

The adoption of telemedicine presents both opportunities and challenges. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Virtual consultations can facilitate medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine hinges on several factors. These include reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the ability of providers to conduct thorough assessments remotely. Practices actively integrating telemedicine into their asthma care models, while ensuring patient privacy and data security, will be favorably assessed.

Asthma is not merely a physical condition; it can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Does the primary care environment in Pittston offer on-site counseling services or readily accessible referrals to mental health professionals? Practices that recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, and proactively address the psychological needs of their patients, will be awarded a higher score. This includes educating patients about the potential impact of asthma on mental well-being and offering support services.

Standout practices in Pittston will be those that demonstrate a holistic approach to asthma care. These practices may have a dedicated asthma educator, conduct regular asthma clinics, and actively engage patients in their care plans. They may also partner with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence and provide convenient access to necessary medications. They may also be involved in community outreach programs, educating the public about asthma triggers and prevention strategies.

The overall “Asthma Score” for Pittston, PA (18643) is a complex assessment. It is not a simple number, but rather a qualitative evaluation based on the factors discussed. The score is influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Areas for improvement may include increasing the number of primary care physicians, enhancing the integration of telemedicine, and expanding access to mental health services. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives will contribute to a higher overall score.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that residents of Pittston receive the best possible asthma care. Analyzing the effectiveness of current practices and identifying areas for improvement will help to improve the quality of life for individuals living with asthma in the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pittston and visualize the geographic distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide detailed visualizations of healthcare facilities, physician locations, and demographic data, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of access to care and the identification of potential disparities.