35128, Pell City, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35128, Pell City, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.63 percent of the residents in 35128 has some form of health insurance. 37.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.38 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 35128 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,482 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35128. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,036 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 989 health care providers accessible to residents in 35128, Pell City, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pell City, AL (ZIP Code 35128)

Analyzing asthma care within Pell City, Alabama (ZIP code 35128) requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score" isn't a standardized metric, but for the purpose of this analysis, it will encompass several key factors impacting asthma management: physician availability, access to primary care, the adoption of telehealth, and the integration of mental health resources. Each of these elements contributes to the overall quality of care available to individuals living with asthma in this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. In Pell City, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the general population significantly impacts access to care. A lower ratio indicates a potentially greater burden on existing physicians, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time devoted to each patient. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 35128. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific number of pulmonologists and allergists in the area. These specialists are vital for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of asthma, particularly for complex cases. Their presence or absence significantly impacts the Asthma Score.

Primary care availability is intrinsically linked to the physician-to-patient ratio. Beyond the raw number of doctors, the accessibility of primary care clinics is critical. Are clinics conveniently located within the ZIP code or easily accessible by public transportation? Are they accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate varying schedules? The availability of after-hours care options, such as urgent care clinics, is also an important consideration. These factors contribute to the overall ease with which individuals can access routine checkups, medication refills, and urgent care for asthma exacerbations.

Identifying standout practices requires a closer look at the quality of care provided. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the implementation of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and the utilization of asthma action plans. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing education and support, are likely to achieve better outcomes. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and track their asthma-related outcomes demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) also plays a role. EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, improve medication management, and allow for more effective tracking of patient progress.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling to appointments. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and allergists can reduce the need for in-person visits, providing convenient and timely access to medical advice and medication management. The ability to remotely monitor patients' symptoms and provide personalized feedback can also contribute to better asthma control. Practices that have embraced telehealth technologies, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and patient portals, will likely score higher in this analysis.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of asthma care. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and worsen overall health outcomes. Access to mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, is essential for providing comprehensive asthma care. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients.

Assessing the Asthma Score for Pell City requires a comprehensive evaluation of these factors. The overall score would reflect the interplay of physician availability, primary care accessibility, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telehealth, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible system of care, leading to better asthma management and improved patient outcomes. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, expanding access to primary care, promoting the adoption of telehealth, and integrating mental health services into asthma care.

The specific practices within ZIP code 35128 that demonstrate excellence in asthma care should be highlighted. This might include practices with high patient satisfaction scores, a strong track record of asthma control, and a commitment to patient education and support. These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in asthma care.

Finally, the evaluation of the Asthma Score should not be a static process. It should be an ongoing effort, with regular assessments and adjustments based on changes in the healthcare landscape. As new technologies emerge and best practices evolve, the Asthma Score analysis should be updated to reflect these changes, ensuring that individuals with asthma in Pell City receive the best possible care.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape in Pell City, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome.