18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18816 has some form of health insurance. 22.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.80 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 18816 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18816. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 227 health care providers accessible to residents in 18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Dimock, PA (ZIP Code 18816) and Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Dimock, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18816) requires a multi-faceted approach. The goal is to create an "Asthma Score" that reflects the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of care available to residents, particularly regarding primary care access, a critical entry point for asthma management. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all factors that significantly impact asthma control and patient well-being.

The foundation of a good asthma score rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Dimock, being a rural area, likely faces challenges in this regard. A low physician-to-patient ratio (the number of patients per PCP) suggests potential difficulties in scheduling appointments, leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and follow-up care. Conversely, a higher ratio, while potentially indicating a more robust healthcare infrastructure, could also signify overworked physicians with less time for each patient, possibly impacting the thoroughness of asthma management. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, can provide the baseline physician-to-patient ratio for the 18816 ZIP code. This ratio is a crucial component of the Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. These include the presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the practice or through readily accessible referral networks. A practice’s adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), is another key indicator. Furthermore, the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, manage medication refills, and facilitate communication with specialists significantly enhances asthma management. Patient reviews, available through online platforms and patient advocacy groups, provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including satisfaction with physician communication, appointment scheduling, and overall care quality. These qualitative elements are incorporated into the Asthma Score to provide a more nuanced view.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant consideration in rural areas like Dimock. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and follow-up care without the need for lengthy travel. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function (e.g., through peak flow meters), and educational resources for asthma management score higher. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for asthma-related needs, is a crucial factor in improving accessibility and patient outcomes. This element is weighted heavily in the Asthma Score, recognizing its potential to mitigate the challenges of rural healthcare access.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is undeniable, especially in chronic conditions like asthma. Anxiety and depression are frequently co-morbid with asthma, potentially exacerbating symptoms and impacting treatment adherence. The Asthma Score must therefore assess the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, offer on-site counseling services, or have established partnerships with mental health professionals receive a higher score. This recognition underscores the importance of a holistic approach to asthma management, addressing the psychological aspects of the disease to improve overall patient well-being.

The Asthma Score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular updates are crucial to maintain its accuracy and relevance. The score is calculated by assigning weighted values to each of the aforementioned factors: physician-to-patient ratio, quality of primary care (including specialist access and guideline adherence), telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration. The weighting reflects the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal asthma control and patient outcomes.

The methodology involves gathering data from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare directories, practice websites, and patient reviews. The data is then analyzed, and each factor is scored based on pre-defined criteria. The individual scores are then combined, weighted, and aggregated to produce the final Asthma Score for the 18816 ZIP code. The score provides a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis of the 18816 ZIP code will likely reveal both strengths and weaknesses in the asthma care landscape. The physician-to-patient ratio might present a challenge, particularly in a rural setting. The presence of standout practices, perhaps utilizing innovative approaches to asthma management, would be a positive indicator. Telemedicine adoption could vary, with some practices embracing virtual care while others lag behind. The integration of mental health resources might be limited, highlighting an area for improvement. The Asthma Score provides a framework for understanding these nuances and identifying areas for targeted interventions.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the asthma care landscape in Dimock, PA. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately, improve the lives of individuals living with asthma in this community. The Asthma Score is a tool for informed decision-making, driving positive change in the delivery of asthma care.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in Dimock, PA, and beyond, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed in this report, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability. This powerful tool allows for a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and can be used to identify areas with the greatest need for improvement.