18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.63 percent of the residents in 18846 has some form of health insurance. 39.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.83 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 18846 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 149 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18846. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 202 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 566 health care providers accessible to residents in 18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Sugar Run, PA (ZIP Code 18846)

Analyzing the availability of asthma care within Sugar Run, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18846) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician access, healthcare infrastructure, and the integration of modern technologies. This analysis will provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment begins with understanding the physician landscape. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. In a rural area like Sugar Run, the scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a significant concern. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, directly translates to challenges in securing timely appointments, establishing consistent care, and managing chronic conditions like asthma. This area may face challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals. This scarcity necessitates a careful examination of existing practices and their capacity to serve the community's needs.

Within ZIP Code 18846, the limited population size likely contributes to a lower number of primary care practices. The “Asthma Score” will reflect this reality, acknowledging the inherent limitations of a rural healthcare environment. The analysis will examine the operational hours of existing practices, the availability of same-day appointments (crucial for asthma exacerbations), and the presence of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists. The absence of specialists would significantly impact the score, suggesting patients may need to travel considerable distances for specialized treatment.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Even in areas with limited resources, some practices may excel in providing asthma care. The analysis will seek to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management. This could include practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, and demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma control. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice would be a major positive indicator, contributing to a higher “Asthma Score.”

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, especially in rural areas. The ability to access healthcare remotely can mitigate the challenges of geographic isolation and limited physician availability. The “Asthma Score” will evaluate the extent to which practices in Sugar Run offer telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient education. Practices embracing telemedicine will receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to expanding access to care.

Mental health resources are a crucial, often overlooked, component of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the community and the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma care protocols. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals or offer in-house counseling services will receive higher scores, acknowledging the importance of holistic patient care.

The “Asthma Score” will also consider the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacies, diagnostic imaging, and respiratory therapy. Easy access to these services is essential for effective asthma management. The presence of a local pharmacy that stocks asthma medications and provides patient counseling would be a positive indicator. Similarly, the availability of on-site or readily accessible diagnostic imaging services (e.g., X-rays, spirometry) would contribute to a higher score.

The assessment will use a weighted scoring system, assigning points based on the factors discussed above. The final “Asthma Score” will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Sugar Run, PA (ZIP Code 18846). The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy interpretation and comparison. The score will be a snapshot of the current situation.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can all exacerbate asthma disparities. The analysis will acknowledge these challenges and consider the efforts of local practices and community organizations to address these issues. The analysis will acknowledge the impact of social determinants of health.

The evaluation will consider the presence of community-based asthma programs. These programs, often run by local health departments or non-profit organizations, can provide valuable resources and support to individuals with asthma. The existence of such programs would positively impact the “Asthma Score.” These programs can provide education and support.

The analysis will also consider the patient experience. While difficult to quantify directly, the analysis will attempt to gather information on patient satisfaction with the care they receive. This could involve reviewing online patient reviews or conducting surveys. Positive patient experiences are a key indicator of high-quality care.

The “Asthma Score” for Sugar Run, PA (ZIP Code 18846) will likely reflect the challenges of a rural healthcare environment. The score will be lower than that of more urban areas, reflecting the limitations of physician availability, specialized services, and access to advanced technologies. The score will reflect the realities of healthcare access in this area.

The final “Asthma Score” will provide a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Sugar Run. It can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance access to quality asthma care. The score will be a starting point for improvement.

The analysis will be a dynamic process. Healthcare landscapes change. The “Asthma Score” should be updated periodically to reflect these changes. This will ensure the information remains relevant and useful. The goal is to promote better care.

The analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data. The analysis will be based on publicly available information. The analysis may not capture the full picture of asthma care. The analysis will be as accurate as possible.

The “Asthma Score” is a starting point. The analysis will highlight areas for improvement. The analysis will provide recommendations. The analysis will promote better health outcomes.

The analysis will provide a comprehensive overview. The analysis will provide actionable insights. The analysis will promote better asthma care.

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