35083, Holly Pond, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35083, Holly Pond, Alabama is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.70 percent of the residents in 35083 has some form of health insurance. 29.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.18 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 35083 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,176 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35083. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 677 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,840 health care providers accessible to residents in 35083, Holly Pond, Alabama.

The analysis below provides an assessment of asthma care availability and related resources for residents of Holly Pond, Alabama (ZIP Code 35083), focusing on primary care physicians. This evaluation considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of managing asthma.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments for asthma sufferers. Assessing the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 35083 requires accessing local and regional healthcare data. Publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide this data. A low ratio, perhaps indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, would be a significant concern for asthma patients in Holly Pond.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating those that excel in asthma management. This assessment would consider factors like the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and patient satisfaction scores. Reviews from patients, collected through online platforms and community surveys, can provide valuable insights. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, including self-management techniques and inhaler use instruction, would be highly rated. Furthermore, the integration of asthma action plans, personalized to each patient's needs, is a hallmark of excellent care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas like Holly Pond, where travel to healthcare facilities might be challenging. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices, would receive higher scores. The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care, reduce the burden of travel, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their physicians.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as support groups and educational programs. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma management protocols would be highly regarded. The presence of mental health resources within the community, such as mental health clinics or community mental health centers, also contributes to the overall score.

In evaluating primary care availability, the focus extends beyond the mere number of physicians. It encompasses the quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the integration of various resources. The assessment considers the availability of after-hours care, which is essential for managing asthma exacerbations. Practices that offer extended hours or have on-call physicians would be considered more accessible. The presence of a well-coordinated care team, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals, is also a key factor.

The presence of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, within or near Holly Pond significantly impacts the score. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, access to specialists is crucial for complex cases or when asthma is not well-controlled. The proximity of specialist clinics and the ease of referral processes are important considerations. Furthermore, the availability of diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, within primary care practices can facilitate early diagnosis and effective management.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine also influences the assessment. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, manage medications, and facilitate communication are often more efficient and provide better care. The use of patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their physicians, also contributes to a higher score. The implementation of these technologies can streamline care delivery and improve patient engagement.

The overall assessment for asthma care in Holly Pond, Alabama (ZIP Code 35083), would be a composite score based on all these factors. A high score would indicate excellent access to primary care physicians, a strong physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care, such as a shortage of physicians, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health support.

The evaluation process involves gathering data from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, patient reviews, and community organizations. The data is analyzed to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape. This analysis is a snapshot in time and requires continuous monitoring and updates to reflect changes in the healthcare system. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the resources available to asthma patients in Holly Pond, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape in Holly Pond and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and the demographics of the population, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution.