18842, South Gibson, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18842, South Gibson, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.15 percent of the residents in 18842 has some form of health insurance. 30.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.19 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 18842 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18842. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 26 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 164 health care providers accessible to residents in 18842, South Gibson, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 18842 & South Gibson Primary Care

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 18842 and assessing primary care availability in South Gibson, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. An "Asthma Score" would ideally encompass factors like access to specialists, adherence to treatment guidelines, patient education, and the availability of mental health support, all contributing to effective asthma management. However, data limitations necessitate a pragmatic analysis focusing on key indicators. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and assess the presence of mental health resources, painting a picture of asthma care within this specific geographic context.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can significantly impact access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, less frequent check-ups, and poorer asthma control. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can be cross-referenced with physician directories to estimate this ratio. The specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists within 18842 and South Gibson, compared to the population size, will reveal the potential strain on the healthcare system. Low ratios warrant further investigation, potentially indicating the need for initiatives to attract more physicians or to improve the efficiency of existing practices.

Identifying standout practices involves delving deeper than simple physician counts. We need to look for practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This includes evaluating their adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Practices that consistently prescribe appropriate medications, provide comprehensive patient education on triggers and management techniques, and actively monitor patient asthma control are prime candidates. This can be assessed through patient reviews, surveys, and possibly through analyzing publicly available data on quality metrics, if available. Practices that offer specialized services, such as asthma education classes or respiratory therapy, would also score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma, offers several advantages. It can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas with limited mobility or transportation challenges. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations, potentially reducing the frequency of in-person visits. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining the availability of telehealth services within local practices. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices? Are they equipped to provide patient education and support through digital platforms? Practices embracing telemedicine will likely receive a higher score in this analysis.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services are providing more holistic care. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, partner with local mental health providers, or routinely screen patients for mental health concerns. Practices that offer or refer to mental health services would receive a higher score, reflecting a commitment to addressing the broader needs of their patients.

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of healthcare resources within South Gibson needs consideration. Even if the overall physician-to-patient ratio appears acceptable, disparities in access can exist. Are resources concentrated in one area, leaving other areas underserved? Analyzing the distribution of practices and specialists within South Gibson is crucial to identify potential gaps in care. This could involve mapping the locations of healthcare providers and overlaying them with population density data to pinpoint areas where access to care is limited.

Analyzing the specific practices requires detailed research. Consider the following: Does a specific practice have a dedicated asthma clinic? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate patient schedules? Do they have multilingual staff to serve the diverse population? Do they actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives? These details contribute to a comprehensive assessment of asthma care quality.

Evaluating the effectiveness of asthma education programs is another key element. Practices that offer structured asthma education classes, provide individualized education plans, and regularly assess patient understanding of their asthma management plan are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This can be assessed through patient surveys, interviews, and by examining the educational materials offered by the practices.

In conclusion, a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis for 18842 and South Gibson would require a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices based on adherence to guidelines and patient outcomes, the evaluation of telemedicine adoption, and the assessment of mental health resource integration. This analysis would also consider the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and the effectiveness of patient education programs.

While a precise "Asthma Score" requires access to specific, often proprietary, data, a thorough analysis of the factors outlined above provides a valuable assessment of the asthma care landscape in the region. This analysis can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients about the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identify areas for improvement.

To visualize this information, to map physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, and to gain a more complete understanding of the asthma care landscape in South Gibson and 18842, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data and identifying patterns and trends that might otherwise be missed. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps to unlock deeper insights into asthma care within your community.