18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.35 percent of the residents in 18651 has some form of health insurance. 50.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.36 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 18651 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,942 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18651. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,608 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,085 health care providers accessible to residents in 18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Plymouth, PA (ZIP Code 18651)

Plymouth, Pennsylvania, a borough nestled in Luzerne County, presents a complex healthcare landscape when considering asthma management and primary care access. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," will evaluate the availability and quality of care for asthma sufferers within ZIP code 18651, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator. In Plymouth, data suggests a potential challenge. While precise figures fluctuate and are often proprietary, publicly available information and anecdotal evidence indicate a possible shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing monitoring for asthma patients. The impact is particularly acute for individuals with limited mobility or transportation challenges, further exacerbating health disparities.

Evaluating the quality of primary care necessitates a deeper dive. Are practices actively participating in asthma-specific quality improvement initiatives? Do they utilize standardized asthma action plans, crucial tools for patient self-management? Do they offer comprehensive patient education on triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique? These are critical components of a successful asthma management strategy.

Within Plymouth, identifying "standout practices" requires careful research. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care might, for instance, offer extended hours, making it easier for patients to access care outside of traditional work schedules. They might actively participate in community outreach programs, educating residents about asthma triggers and prevention strategies. They could also maintain a robust patient registry, allowing for proactive identification of patients at high risk for exacerbations. Such practices are vital in providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

Telemedicine, in the context of asthma management, offers significant potential. Virtual consultations can facilitate medication refills, provide remote monitoring of lung function (using devices like peak flow meters), and offer educational sessions. The adoption of telemedicine within Plymouth’s primary care practices is a key factor in our Asthma Score assessment. Practices that embrace telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. The ability to virtually connect with a healthcare provider can also reduce the burden on emergency rooms, a critical consideration for asthma management.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital component. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that recognize this and offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease. The availability of these resources directly impacts the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score for Plymouth, PA, ZIP code 18651, is a nuanced assessment. While specific data on physician-to-patient ratios and practice-level performance is essential, the current landscape likely presents both challenges and opportunities. The potential shortage of primary care physicians, coupled with the need for enhanced telemedicine adoption and integrated mental health resources, suggests areas for improvement. However, the presence of dedicated practices committed to asthma management offers a positive counterpoint.

To improve the Asthma Score, several actions are needed. First, increasing the number of primary care physicians, potentially through recruitment incentives or partnerships with medical schools, is crucial. Second, promoting the adoption of telemedicine within existing practices can significantly improve access to care. Third, practices should be encouraged to participate in asthma-specific quality improvement initiatives, such as those offered by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Fourth, integrating mental health resources into asthma care is paramount. This can be achieved through on-site services, referrals to mental health professionals, or collaborative care models.

The availability of data is paramount for effective healthcare planning. Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, the location of asthma triggers (such as pollen counts or air quality data), and the demographics of the patient population is essential for targeted interventions. This information is often complex and difficult to analyze without the right tools.

For a comprehensive visual analysis of healthcare resources in Plymouth, PA, and beyond, we recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to visualize the data, identify trends, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape. CartoChrome provides the tools to map physician locations, patient demographics, and environmental factors, offering a powerful resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Plymouth, PA? Visit CartoChrome maps today and unlock the power of data-driven insights.