18822, Hallstead, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18822, Hallstead, Pennsylvania is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.39 percent of the residents in 18822 has some form of health insurance. 44.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.78 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 18822 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18822. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 644 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 255 health care providers accessible to residents in 18822, Hallstead, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hallstead, PA (ZIP Code 18822)

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within Hallstead, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18822) requires a multifaceted approach. We must evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess their expertise in asthma management, and examine the accessibility of support services. This analysis will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in determining an "Asthma Score" for the area.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Hallstead is a critical starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and relevant professional organizations. Generally, rural areas often face a shortage of primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is another significant factor. Proximity to larger cities or medical centers that offer specialized asthma care can mitigate some of the challenges posed by a lower physician-to-patient ratio within Hallstead itself.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. This requires research into individual practices, examining their patient reviews, and assessing their approach to asthma management. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and utilize evidence-based treatment protocols would likely receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices actively participating in community outreach programs related to asthma awareness and management should be recognized. Investigating the availability of asthma educators, respiratory therapists, and other allied healthcare professionals within these practices is also vital.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for asthma management can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling or who live far from the clinic. Telemedicine can facilitate medication refills, symptom monitoring, and follow-up appointments. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in Hallstead is therefore a crucial component of the Asthma Score analysis.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and managing chronic illness can take a toll on mental well-being. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a critical factor in the overall Asthma Score. Primary care practices that screen for mental health conditions and provide referrals to mental health professionals would be considered favorably. The presence of mental health services within the community, such as those offered by local hospitals or community health centers, also contributes to a more comprehensive Asthma Score.

The quality of asthma care is also influenced by the availability of ancillary services. Access to pharmacies that stock asthma medications and devices is essential. The presence of respiratory therapy services, which provide education and support for patients with asthma, is also important. Furthermore, the availability of emergency services, such as ambulances and emergency rooms, is a critical factor in managing asthma exacerbations. The proximity to hospitals equipped to handle asthma emergencies can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Evaluating the Asthma Score involves assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are all weighted according to their relative importance. The final Asthma Score would then be a composite score, reflecting the overall quality of asthma care available in Hallstead. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more effective management strategies, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

Specific examples of practices that excel in asthma management could include those that have implemented innovative asthma action plans, use electronic health records to track patient progress, and actively engage in patient education. These practices might also offer extended hours, same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, and bilingual services to accommodate a diverse patient population. Practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to asthma would also be considered favorably.

Conversely, practices that have limited access to specialists, do not offer telemedicine options, or lack mental health resources would likely receive lower scores. Practices with long wait times for appointments, limited patient education materials, and a lack of coordination with other healthcare providers would also be penalized. The Asthma Score is therefore a dynamic measure that reflects the overall quality of care available in the community.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for Hallstead, PA (ZIP code 18822) requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all play crucial roles. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a clearer understanding of the quality of asthma care available in the community and identify areas for improvement. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the asthma care landscape.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the factors influencing asthma prevalence and management in Hallstead, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and environmental factors.