35119, New Castle, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35119, New Castle, Alabama is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 47.06 percent of the residents in 35119 has some form of health insurance. 47.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 35119 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35119. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,890 health care providers accessible to residents in 35119, New Castle, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35119 & Primary Care in New Castle

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in New Castle, with a specific focus on ZIP code 35119, considering factors relevant to asthma management. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and an overall "Asthma Score" reflecting the accessibility and support for asthma patients.

New Castle, like many communities, faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring adequate healthcare access. The density of PCPs, particularly those specializing in family medicine or internal medicine, directly impacts the ability of asthma patients to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased difficulty in establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care provider, and ultimately, potentially poorer asthma control.

Within ZIP code 35119, a granular analysis is necessary. Data on the number of practicing PCPs, their patient load, and their acceptance of new patients is crucial. This information, coupled with demographic data on the prevalence of asthma in the area, allows for a more precise understanding of the challenges and opportunities. For example, if 35119 has a higher-than-average asthma prevalence due to environmental factors or demographics, the need for accessible and responsive primary care becomes even more critical.

The "Asthma Score" for each practice should incorporate several key elements. First, appointment availability: how quickly can a patient schedule a routine check-up or an urgent appointment? Second, the presence of asthma-specific resources: does the practice offer asthma education, peak flow meter training, or access to respiratory therapists? Third, the practice's approach to chronic disease management, including the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and medication adherence.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and online prescription refills demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive asthma management. The Asthma Score should reflect the extent of telemedicine integration, considering factors like the availability of virtual appointments, the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, and the practice's ability to provide ongoing support through virtual channels.

Mental health resources are also essential. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities that can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, receive a higher Asthma Score. This includes practices that screen for mental health issues, provide education on stress management techniques, and coordinate care between primary care physicians and mental health professionals.

Standout practices in 35119, and indeed throughout New Castle, often demonstrate a comprehensive approach to asthma management. They prioritize patient education, providing clear instructions on medication use, environmental control measures, and asthma action plans. They actively engage patients in their own care, encouraging self-monitoring of symptoms and regular follow-up appointments. These practices also often utilize technology to improve communication and care coordination, such as patient portals for secure messaging and online appointment scheduling.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialty care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The Asthma Score should reflect the ease with which patients can access specialist referrals and the coordination of care between primary care and specialist providers.

The overall "Asthma Score" for 35119 and New Castle should be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. This score can then be used to identify areas of strength and weakness in asthma care, allowing for targeted interventions to improve access and quality. For example, if telemedicine adoption is low, initiatives can be implemented to encourage its use. If mental health resources are lacking, partnerships can be forged with mental health providers.

Finally, the analysis should consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can all create barriers to care. The Asthma Score should acknowledge these disparities and consider the efforts of practices to address them, such as offering sliding-scale fees, providing transportation assistance, or partnering with community organizations to connect patients with resources.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35119 and New Castle, including a visualization of physician distribution, practice characteristics, and asthma prevalence, explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome.