18825, Jackson, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18825, Jackson, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.70 percent of the residents in 18825 has some form of health insurance. 45.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.98 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 18825 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 30 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18825. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 55 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 149 health care providers accessible to residents in 18825, Jackson, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 18825 and Primary Care in Jackson

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 18825, focusing on primary care physician availability and related factors. We'll assess the quality of care, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, ultimately providing a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' perspective. The scope extends to examine the broader primary care environment within Jackson, PA, to contextualize the specific challenges and opportunities within the target ZIP code.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible and competent primary care. In ZIP Code 18825, a critical aspect of this accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care quality. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized attention, proactive management, and improved patient outcomes. Determining the precise ratio requires data from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical boards, but the initial assessment should focus on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code, compared to the population size.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the clinical expertise of the physicians, their adherence to established asthma treatment guidelines, and their commitment to patient education. Practices with a proven track record of successfully managing asthma cases, as evidenced by patient outcomes and satisfaction surveys, should be identified as standout practices. These practices often implement evidence-based protocols, utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, and foster a strong patient-physician relationship.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas or for patients with mobility limitations. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 18825 is a crucial factor in the 'Asthma Score' assessment. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals can significantly improve asthma management by providing convenient and timely care. This is especially important for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and addressing acute asthma exacerbations.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities that can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening, offer counseling services, or have established partnerships with mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of asthma patients.

The primary care landscape within Jackson, PA, provides a broader context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in 18825. Examining the overall availability of PCPs in the city, the distribution of practices across different neighborhoods, and the presence of specialized asthma clinics can inform the 'Asthma Score' analysis. Furthermore, assessing the resources available to support primary care physicians, such as access to diagnostic equipment, specialized respiratory therapists, and educational programs, can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.

The 'Asthma Score' for 18825 should incorporate a weighted assessment of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources should each be assigned a weight based on their relative importance. The final score should reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care within the ZIP code. This score can then be compared to other areas to benchmark performance and identify areas for improvement.

To determine the 'Asthma Score', detailed data collection is essential. This includes identifying all primary care practices within 18825, gathering information on physician demographics, patient volume, and services offered. Patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcome data (e.g., hospital readmission rates for asthma), and information on telemedicine capabilities should be collected. Public health data, such as asthma prevalence rates and socioeconomic indicators, should also be incorporated to provide a complete picture.

The process of gathering and analyzing this data can be complex and time-consuming. However, the insights gained are invaluable for improving asthma care within 18825. The analysis should identify specific strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare system, highlighting areas where resources can be allocated to improve patient outcomes. This could include initiatives to increase the number of PCPs, expand telemedicine services, or improve access to mental health support.

The 'Asthma Score' is not a static measure; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine technologies evolve, and treatment guidelines are updated, the score should be reassessed to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This ongoing monitoring will help to maintain a high standard of asthma care within 18825.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health on asthma outcomes. Factors such as housing quality, air quality, and access to healthy food can significantly influence asthma control. Addressing these social determinants through community-based interventions, such as asthma education programs and environmental remediation efforts, can complement the efforts of primary care physicians in improving patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' for 18825 requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. By analyzing these factors and incorporating data on asthma prevalence and social determinants of health, a clear picture of the asthma care landscape can be developed. This analysis should serve as a catalyst for improvement, guiding efforts to enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately, improve the lives of individuals living with asthma in ZIP Code 18825.

Want to see the landscape visualized? Explore the primary care availability and asthma prevalence within 18825 and Jackson, PA, with interactive maps. Visit CartoChrome to see how data visualization can inform your understanding of healthcare access and patient needs.