35035, Brierfield, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35035, Brierfield, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.91 percent of the residents in 35035 has some form of health insurance. 29.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.37 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 35035 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 241 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35035. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 106 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 935 health care providers accessible to residents in 35035, Brierfield, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35035 and Primary Care Availability in Brierfield

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on two key areas: evaluating the availability and quality of asthma care provided by doctors in ZIP code 35035 and assessing primary care resources in the town of Brierfield, Alabama. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, ultimately painting a picture of the healthcare landscape for residents.

ZIP code 35035 encompasses a defined geographic area, and understanding the physician density within this zone is crucial. Calculating the physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline understanding of access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, combined with information from insurance providers, can be used to determine the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists practicing within the ZIP code. This data forms the foundation for the "Asthma Score" related to physician availability.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This necessitates an examination of individual practices. Factors to consider include the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like spirometry (essential for asthma diagnosis and management), and the adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. Practices demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based medicine and positive patient outcomes will receive higher scores in the quality assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals for medication refills and communication will score higher. The "Asthma Score" will reflect the availability and integration of telemedicine technologies, recognizing its potential to enhance patient convenience and improve disease management.

Mental health is often an overlooked aspect of asthma management, but it is crucial. Asthma can be a stressful condition, and anxiety and depression can exacerbate symptoms. Practices that integrate mental health resources, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, will be recognized for their holistic approach. The "Asthma Score" will incorporate an assessment of the availability of mental health support, acknowledging its importance in comprehensive asthma care.

Shifting focus to Brierfield and its primary care availability, a similar approach is needed. The physician-to-patient ratio within Brierfield needs to be determined, taking into account the town's population and the number of primary care physicians practicing within its boundaries or in close proximity. This will provide a baseline measure of access to primary care services. The analysis will also include an examination of any specific practices within Brierfield.

The "Asthma Score" related to Brierfield will also consider the types of primary care services available. Does the town have a family practice, internal medicine, or both? Are there any specialists, such as pediatricians or geriatricians, who are readily accessible? The presence of a well-rounded primary care infrastructure is essential for overall health and well-being, including the effective management of chronic conditions like asthma.

The assessment of primary care quality in Brierfield will mirror the approach used for the 35035 practices. This includes evaluating physician experience, the availability of diagnostic tools, and patient satisfaction. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources will also be considered. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care and offer comprehensive services will receive higher scores.

The "Asthma Score" will be a relative measure, comparing the healthcare resources within 35035 and Brierfield to benchmarks. This may involve comparing the physician-to-patient ratios to state or national averages, assessing the quality of care based on established best practices, and evaluating the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources.

The final "Asthma Score" will be a composite score, reflecting the different factors discussed. It will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in the two areas, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents to easily understand the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can inform healthcare decisions and advocate for improvements in the healthcare system.

The "Asthma Score" analysis will not only evaluate the current situation but also identify potential areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and expanding access to mental health resources. The analysis aims to be a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for the community. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) can be a very helpful tool to visualize the data and identify areas with the greatest need.

By combining data analysis with qualitative assessments, this "Asthma Score" analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and informative overview of healthcare access and quality in ZIP code 35035 and Brierfield. This information can empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in their communities.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in these areas, including physician locations, practice details, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with limited access to care.