35143, Shelby, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35143, Shelby, Alabama is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.91 percent of the residents in 35143 has some form of health insurance. 28.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.33 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 35143 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 680 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35143. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 721 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 282 health care providers accessible to residents in 35143, Shelby, Alabama.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts quality of life, particularly in areas with environmental triggers and limited access to care. This analysis focuses on asthma care within ZIP Code 35143, encompassing the city of Columbiana, Alabama, and assesses primary care availability in Shelby County, Alabama, to determine an "Asthma Score" ranking. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of resources and challenges faced by asthma patients in this region.

The Asthma Score is a composite metric, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, adoption of telemedicine, and integration of mental health services. Each factor is weighted based on its impact on asthma management and patient outcomes. A higher score indicates better access to care and more comprehensive support for asthma patients.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a foundational element of the Asthma Score. A lower ratio, reflecting more physicians per patient, generally indicates better access to care. In ZIP Code 35143, the physician density is a crucial factor. Shelby County, as a whole, may experience variations in physician distribution, with some areas being underserved. Data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are essential for determining accurate ratios. These figures are then compared to national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care physicians.

Standout practices in the area, those demonstrating excellence in asthma care, significantly influence the score. These practices often employ certified asthma educators, provide comprehensive asthma action plans, and offer advanced diagnostic tools like spirometry. They may also participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate high patient satisfaction rates. Identifying these practices requires analyzing patient reviews, surveying local healthcare providers, and examining public health data. The presence of a dedicated pulmonologist or allergist within the area is a significant positive factor, as these specialists provide focused expertise in asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers to care exist. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient education programs receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients with asthma, especially those with mobility issues or living in remote locations. The availability of telehealth services can also facilitate timely interventions and reduce the need for emergency room visits. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites, interviewing healthcare providers, and reviewing insurance coverage for telehealth services.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial, often overlooked, component of asthma care. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and these conditions can, in turn, exacerbate asthma symptoms. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, receive a higher score. This integration helps address the holistic needs of asthma patients, improving their overall well-being and asthma control. Evaluating mental health integration involves surveying healthcare providers, examining mental health resources within the community, and assessing the availability of mental health services covered by insurance.

Shelby County's primary care availability is a critical factor in the overall Asthma Score. The county's ability to provide adequate primary care services impacts the ability of patients to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of their asthma. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians, the geographical distribution of these physicians, and the accessibility of their services. Factors such as insurance acceptance, wait times for appointments, and the availability of after-hours care all contribute to the overall primary care availability score.

Specific practices in ZIP Code 35143 are analyzed for their asthma care capabilities. This includes evaluating the presence of certified asthma educators, the availability of asthma action plans, and the use of advanced diagnostic tools. The practices' willingness to participate in quality improvement initiatives, and the patient satisfaction rates are also assessed. This detailed evaluation helps determine the practices' contribution to the overall Asthma Score for the area.

The impact of environmental factors on asthma prevalence and severity is considered. This includes assessing air quality data, identifying common allergens in the area, and evaluating the availability of resources to help patients manage their environmental triggers. This aspect is particularly important in areas with high levels of air pollution or significant seasonal allergen exposure. Public health data from sources such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is utilized.

The analysis considers the availability of community resources that support asthma patients. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications. The presence of community health centers, pharmacies, and other resources that provide asthma-related services contributes positively to the Asthma Score. The analysis assesses the availability and accessibility of these resources within the ZIP Code and the broader Shelby County area.

The Asthma Score is a dynamic metric, subject to change based on evolving healthcare practices, technological advancements, and community resources. Regular updates are essential to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This analysis provides a snapshot of the current state of asthma care in ZIP Code 35143 and Shelby County.

The final Asthma Score for ZIP Code 35143 is a composite value, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed. The score is then compared to benchmarks, such as national averages and other similar areas, to provide a relative ranking. This ranking helps identify areas for improvement and highlights the strengths of the asthma care ecosystem in the area.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, environmental factors, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geospatial data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing asthma care in ZIP Code 35143 and the surrounding areas.