18707, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18707, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.35 percent of the residents in 18707 has some form of health insurance. 28.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.05 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 18707 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,746 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18707. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,577 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,480 health care providers accessible to residents in 18707, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18707 and Primary Care in Mountain Top

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 18707 (likely covering portions of Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas) and the town of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, examining asthma-related care and primary care availability. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of any effective asthma management plan lies in accessible and qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). Examining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. In 18707, the ratio will fluctuate based on the specific areas included within the ZIP code. Publicly available data from the US Department of Health & Human Services and other sources can be used to estimate the number of PCPs practicing in the area. This number is then divided by the population of 18707. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally indicates better access to care. Mountain Top, being a smaller community, might present a different challenge. The number of PCPs serving the area, and the proportion of those accepting new patients, must be carefully considered. A high ratio, coupled with a limited number of accepting practices, can significantly hinder access to timely care, a critical factor for asthma sufferers.

The quality of care also plays a pivotal role. We need to identify standout practices. These are clinics and physician offices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This can be assessed by looking at several factors: patient reviews, the availability of specialized equipment (spirometry for lung function testing), the presence of certified asthma educators, and the implementation of evidence-based asthma treatment guidelines. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrating a commitment to patient education would score higher. In Mountain Top, the presence of a well-established family practice or internal medicine clinic with a demonstrated focus on respiratory health would be a significant advantage.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. The adoption rate of telemedicine within practices in 18707 and Mountain Top needs to be evaluated. Do physicians offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma education? Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. Practices that offer virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools would receive a higher score. The accessibility of these services to those with limited technology skills or internet access should also be considered.

Asthma often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of an effective asthma management plan. Within the 18707 area, are there mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) accepting new patients? Are these services readily accessible, either through the primary care practices or through referrals? The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing both asthma and mental health concerns would be a positive indicator. Mountain Top, being a smaller community, might face challenges in this area. The presence of a mental health clinic or the ability to easily access mental health services in nearby communities is vital.

The "Asthma Score" itself is a composite metric. It's a weighted average of the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care (including specialized equipment and certified educators), telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the availability of a specific piece of equipment. A practice's overall score would then be determined by how it performs in each of these areas. The final "Asthma Score" would provide a snapshot of the overall accessibility and quality of asthma-related care in the 18707 area and Mountain Top.

For 18707, the proximity to Wilkes-Barre can be a benefit. The presence of larger hospitals and specialist clinics in Wilkes-Barre could mean greater access to specialized asthma care and resources. However, transportation and insurance coverage can still pose challenges. Mountain Top’s score will be significantly impacted by its reliance on the availability of services in surrounding areas. The ease of access to these resources is crucial.

Analyzing the accessibility of asthma care also involves considering the demographics of the population. Are there specific populations, such as children or the elderly, who might face greater challenges in accessing care? Are there language barriers? Addressing these disparities is critical for ensuring equitable access to care for all asthma sufferers.

The "Asthma Score" isn't just a number; it's a reflection of the healthcare ecosystem. It identifies strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted interventions to improve asthma management. For example, if telemedicine adoption is low, public health initiatives could be launched to promote its use. If mental health resources are limited, efforts could be made to increase the availability of mental health services.

Ultimately, improving asthma care requires a collaborative effort involving physicians, patients, hospitals, and community organizations. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement. A high "Asthma Score" indicates a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to manage asthma effectively, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.

To gain a visual understanding of the geographic distribution of physicians, primary care clinics, and mental health resources in the 18707 area and Mountain Top, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual representation of healthcare accessibility, allowing you to pinpoint areas with limited access and identify potential gaps in care.