18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.57 percent of the residents in 18708 has some form of health insurance. 31.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.17 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 18708 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18708. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,925 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,701 health care providers accessible to residents in 18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Shavertown, PA (ZIP Code 18708)

Shavertown, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 18708, presents a unique landscape for asthma care, a chronic respiratory disease affecting both children and adults. Evaluating the quality of asthma care requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of supportive mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment for the area, focusing on key indicators that influence patient outcomes.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Shavertown, assessing PCP availability is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would provide valuable insights into these ratios for 18708. This data would then be compared against state and national averages to determine if Shavertown experiences any access challenges.

Beyond mere numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the community is important. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas, creating 'healthcare deserts' for residents in other parts of Shavertown? This spatial analysis requires examining the geographical locations of practices and the demographics of the populations they serve. This helps identify potential disparities in access to care.

The quality of care provided by individual practices is another key factor. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. Are the practices accepting new patients, particularly those with asthma? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working families? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who can provide patient education and support? Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care. Furthermore, the practice's adherence to established asthma guidelines, including appropriate medication prescribing and regular follow-up appointments, is crucial. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience, offering a glimpse into the practice's responsiveness and communication skills.

The integration of technology significantly impacts asthma management. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices in Shavertown that offer telemedicine consultations for asthma management can improve access to care. This includes virtual check-ups, medication refills, and remote monitoring of symptoms. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is also essential. EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing between physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, improving care coordination and reducing medication errors. Practices that utilize patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers, empower patients to actively participate in their care.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's 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. Practices that screen for mental health issues and offer on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is crucial for providing integrated care, ensuring that patients receive the support they need to manage their asthma effectively.

Assessing the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also important. While PCPs often manage asthma, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require specialist care. The proximity of specialists to Shavertown residents, along with the wait times for appointments, is a factor in the overall 'Asthma Score'. Practices that have established referral pathways to specialists and collaborate with them on patient care demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive asthma management.

Another factor to consider is the availability of asthma education programs. These programs provide patients with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their asthma effectively, including identifying triggers, using inhalers correctly, and developing action plans. Practices that offer or partner with organizations that offer asthma education programs are contributing to improved patient outcomes. This can include group classes, individual counseling sessions, and online resources.

The socioeconomic status of the population in Shavertown also plays a role. Asthma disproportionately affects low-income communities. Factors such as housing quality, exposure to environmental pollutants, and access to healthy food can impact asthma control. Understanding the socioeconomic profile of the community helps healthcare providers tailor their interventions to address the specific needs of their patients.

Finally, the overall 'Asthma Score' for Shavertown (18708) is a composite measure. It integrates the various factors discussed above. The score would be determined by assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight than the availability of asthma education programs. The 'Asthma Score' provides a snapshot of the quality of asthma care in Shavertown. It can be used to identify areas for improvement and to track progress over time.

For a comprehensive, geographically-driven understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care in Shavertown and beyond, explore the power of location intelligence.

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