18810, Athens, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18810, Athens, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.25 percent of the residents in 18810 has some form of health insurance. 37.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.64 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 18810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18810. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,324 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,893 health care providers accessible to residents in 18810, Athens, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides an asthma score assessment for primary care physicians within the 18810 ZIP code, focusing on Athens, Pennsylvania. This assessment incorporates factors relevant to asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

The 18810 ZIP code, encompassing Athens, presents a unique healthcare environment. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor in asthma management. Regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education are vital components of effective asthma control. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a preliminary indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. This necessitates a closer examination of the specific practices within the area.

Evaluating the practices themselves involves assessing several key aspects. The size of the practice, the number of providers, and the specific expertise of the physicians are crucial. Practices with a dedicated focus on respiratory health or a demonstrated history of successful asthma management would naturally score higher. The availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometry, and the presence of certified asthma educators also contribute to a higher score. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate care coordination are also important.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, are better equipped to serve asthma patients. This is especially true for those with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The ability to access care remotely can improve adherence to treatment plans and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health resources, such as counseling or support groups, receive a higher score. Integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care is a best practice that improves overall patient outcomes.

The assessment of primary care availability in Athens requires a nuanced approach. While the physician-to-patient ratio provides a general overview, it doesn't fully capture the complexities of access. Factors such as insurance acceptance, the availability of transportation, and the presence of language barriers can all affect a patient's ability to receive care. Practices that are actively working to address these barriers, such as offering translation services or providing transportation assistance, are considered more patient-centered and receive a higher score.

The evaluation of individual practices within the 18810 ZIP code requires a detailed review of their websites, patient reviews, and publicly available data. Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that:

* Have a high proportion of patients with well-controlled asthma.
* Offer extended hours or weekend appointments.
* Provide patient education materials in multiple languages.
* Actively participate in community outreach programs related to asthma.

The adoption of telemedicine is a key differentiator. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, offering virtual visits, remote monitoring, and electronic prescription services, are better positioned to meet the needs of asthma patients. The ease of access and convenience offered by telemedicine can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

The presence and integration of mental health resources are crucial. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integrated approach addresses the psychological impact of asthma, leading to improved patient outcomes.

The overall asthma score for primary care physicians in the 18810 ZIP code will be influenced by a combination of these factors. Practices that excel in multiple areas, such as physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, will receive the highest scores. The goal is to identify the practices that are best equipped to provide comprehensive and effective asthma care to the residents of Athens.

The analysis emphasizes the importance of a patient-centered approach. Practices that prioritize patient education, communication, and access to care are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The availability of resources, such as asthma educators, support groups, and mental health services, is crucial for addressing the multifaceted needs of asthma patients.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Practices that are willing to adapt and embrace new technologies, such as telemedicine, are better positioned to meet the changing needs of their patients. The ongoing commitment to quality improvement and patient satisfaction is a key indicator of a practice's ability to provide excellent asthma care.

To visualize the distribution of these practices, their specific offerings, and the availability of resources within the 18810 ZIP code, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. They provide a dynamic and detailed view of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more informed understanding of asthma care access in Athens.