18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 18657 has some form of health insurance. 39.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.61 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 18657 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,405 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18657. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,218 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,211 health care providers accessible to residents in 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing asthma care accessibility and quality in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18657) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This analysis, presented as an "Asthma Score," will evaluate the current state of primary care, focusing on its capacity to address the needs of asthma patients in the community.

The foundation of any robust asthma care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Tunkhannock, a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges common to such regions: a potentially lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. Assessing this ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding county, alongside population figures. A low physician-to-patient ratio could indicate longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for asthma sufferers.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of primary care practices operating in Tunkhannock significantly impact asthma care. Are there solo practices, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? Larger clinics often have the resources to provide a broader range of services, including on-site respiratory therapists or asthma educators. These specialists are invaluable in educating patients about asthma management, medication adherence, and environmental triggers. The presence of these supporting professionals would positively influence the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves examining factors like patient reviews, the availability of specialized asthma care programs, and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education would receive higher marks. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in preventive care, such as offering flu shots and pneumonia vaccines, are crucial for asthma patients, as these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the Asthma Score analysis. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients, particularly in rural areas. It can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to access care, especially during exacerbations. Telehealth consultations can also facilitate medication refills and allow for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms using wearable devices or home spirometry. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, would score favorably.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but they are vital. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. The availability of these resources directly impacts the Asthma Score, reflecting a commitment to addressing the emotional well-being of asthma patients.

Specific examples of practices in Tunkhannock, if available through public sources or local directories, would be evaluated. For instance, if a practice consistently receives positive patient reviews, offers extended hours, or provides specialized asthma education programs, this would contribute to a higher score. Conversely, practices with limited appointment availability or a lack of readily accessible information about their asthma care services would receive a lower score. The presence of multilingual staff, catering to the diverse needs of the community, would also be considered a positive factor.

The analysis also considers the accessibility of pharmacies within the ZIP code. Easy access to pharmacies, where patients can readily obtain their asthma medications and receive counseling from pharmacists, is essential. The availability of 24-hour pharmacies or pharmacies with drive-through services can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing asthma emergencies.

Further consideration is given to the availability of emergency care services. Proximity to hospitals with emergency departments capable of treating asthma exacerbations is vital. The presence of a hospital with specialized respiratory care units would be a significant advantage for the community. The overall Asthma Score reflects the interconnectedness of these elements, from primary care access to emergency services.

In conclusion, determining an Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 18657 involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of support services like pharmacies and emergency care. The overall score reflects the community's ability to provide accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive asthma care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tunkhannock and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, pharmacies, and hospitals, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.