35023, Bessemer, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35023, Bessemer, Alabama is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.37 percent of the residents in 35023 has some form of health insurance. 35.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.10 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 35023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,244 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35023. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,870 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,311 health care providers accessible to residents in 35023, Bessemer, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35023 & Primary Care Availability in Bessemer

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 35023, encompassing Bessemer, Alabama, and examines the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and associated resources. We will develop an “Asthma Score” ranking based on several key factors, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of our Asthma Score rests on the availability of primary care. Bessemer, like many areas, faces potential challenges in PCP access. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, indicates a potentially overburdened system, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially compromised patient care. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards must be consulted to ascertain the current PCP-to-patient ratio within 35023. This ratio will significantly impact the initial Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in specific areas of Bessemer, creating "healthcare deserts" for some residents? Geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, using tools like CartoChrome maps (as mentioned in the conclusion), can visually represent PCP locations, highlighting areas with limited access. This spatial analysis contributes to the Asthma Score, penalizing areas with uneven distribution.

Next, we evaluate the quality of care. This involves assessing the practices of individual physicians and clinics. We consider factors like patient reviews (available through platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc), the presence of board-certified specialists (e.g., pulmonologists, allergists), and the availability of specialized asthma management programs. Practices with consistently positive reviews, a multidisciplinary approach to asthma care, and readily accessible specialist referrals will receive higher scores. The Asthma Score will be adjusted based on the demonstrated capacity to provide comprehensive asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component. The ability to offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring is increasingly important, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, improve medication adherence, and provide timely intervention during asthma exacerbations. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms, offering virtual asthma education, and providing remote monitoring devices will receive a significant boost to their Asthma Score. Conversely, practices lacking telemedicine capabilities will see a reduction in their score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their impact is significant. Asthma can be a source of anxiety and stress, and co-occurring mental health conditions can worsen asthma control. The Asthma Score will incorporate the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will receive a higher score.

The Asthma Score also considers the availability of educational resources for patients. Asthma education is crucial for self-management, including proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and recognizing early signs of exacerbations. Practices that offer asthma education programs, provide written materials, and utilize patient education tools will receive a positive adjustment to their score. The lack of these resources will negatively impact the score.

Finally, we examine the affordability of care. The Asthma Score will incorporate data on insurance acceptance, the availability of sliding-scale fees, and participation in programs that support low-income patients. Practices that are accessible to a wide range of patients, regardless of their ability to pay, will receive a higher score. This addresses the socioeconomic factors that can significantly impact asthma outcomes.

Standout practices within 35023 will be identified based on their performance across these criteria. These practices might demonstrate excellence in patient reviews, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and comprehensive asthma management programs. Identifying these high-performing practices can provide valuable insights for other providers and help patients identify the best care options.

The overall Asthma Score will be a composite measure, weighting each factor based on its relative importance. For example, PCP availability and quality of care might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, although all factors contribute to the final score. This scoring system will allow for a nuanced evaluation of the healthcare landscape in 35023 and Bessemer.

The results of this analysis will provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare environment for asthma patients in Bessemer. It will highlight areas of strength, identify areas needing improvement, and help patients make informed decisions about their care. The final Asthma Score will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available. The goal is to promote improved access to quality care and better outcomes for individuals living with asthma in Bessemer.

This analysis, while comprehensive, is limited by the availability of data. Publicly available data sources, patient reviews, and practice websites will be used to gather information. However, more detailed information might require direct contact with healthcare providers.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of physicians, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, and to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in Bessemer, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their platform provides powerful tools for spatial analysis and data visualization, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape.