29591, Scranton, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29591, Scranton, South Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 29591 has some form of health insurance. 41.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.57 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 29591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29591. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 725 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,774 health care providers accessible to residents in 29591, Scranton, South Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29591 & Primary Care in Scranton**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and examines the landscape of medical professionals within ZIP code 29591, with a focus on asthma-related care. The goal is to provide an “Asthma Score” ranking, considering various factors impacting patient outcomes.

**Scranton: Primary Care Availability and Asthma Management**

Scranton, a city with a population of approximately 76,000, presents a unique healthcare environment. Primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. The accessibility of PCPs directly impacts early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and the implementation of asthma action plans. A high PCP-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and personalized care.

The current PCP-to-patient ratio in Scranton needs detailed investigation. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be consulted to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the city limits and the estimated patient population. This data, however, may not fully reflect the reality of access. Factors like insurance acceptance, specialist referrals, and patient demographics all play a role.

Standout practices in Scranton that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care warrant recognition. These practices likely have a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially, asthma educators. They may offer comprehensive asthma education programs, emphasizing inhaler technique, trigger identification, and emergency preparedness. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key indicator of quality, enabling efficient communication, medication management, and the tracking of patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. Practices embracing telemedicine are likely to score higher in our Asthma Score.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their asthma care are demonstrating a more holistic approach. This might involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, or the use of mental health screening tools.

**ZIP Code 29591: A Focused Examination**

ZIP code 29591, located in South Carolina, requires a geographically specific assessment. The analysis will focus on the availability of medical professionals, including PCPs, pulmonologists, and allergists. The density of these specialists within the ZIP code, or within a reasonable driving distance, directly impacts the Asthma Score.

The physician-to-patient ratio within 29591 is a primary consideration. This will involve identifying the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code and estimating the patient population. The analysis will then compare this ratio to national or regional averages to gauge the relative accessibility of care.

Standout practices in 29591 will be evaluated based on their commitment to asthma management. This includes factors like the availability of specialized asthma clinics, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the provision of patient education materials. Practices actively participating in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives will also be viewed favorably.

The adoption of telemedicine within 29591 is critical. Rural areas often face challenges in accessing specialized care. Telemedicine can bridge this gap, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. The analysis will investigate the availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the patient satisfaction levels.

Mental health resources are an integral part of asthma care. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within 29591, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma care will receive a higher score.

**Asthma Score Methodology**

The Asthma Score will be determined using a weighted scoring system. Each factor discussed above (PCP-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and practice quality) will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. The analysis will then assign scores to each factor based on the available data. The overall Asthma Score will be a composite of these individual scores.

The final score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear comparison of healthcare access and quality in Scranton and 29591. The score will be accompanied by a narrative summary, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each location.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating asthma care in Scranton and 29591. By examining physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing patients with asthma. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in these and other areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow you to visualize healthcare data, analyze physician distribution, and identify areas with limited access to care.