35147, Sterrett, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35147, Sterrett, Alabama is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.85 percent of the residents in 35147 has some form of health insurance. 28.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.16 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 35147 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,565 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35147. 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 1,964 health care providers accessible to residents in 35147, Sterrett, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Sterrett, Alabama (ZIP Code 35147)

Analyzing asthma care within Sterrett, Alabama (ZIP Code 35147) requires a multifaceted approach. We must assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components in effectively managing asthma. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' perspective, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The primary challenge in assessing asthma care in Sterrett begins with understanding the geographical context. Sterrett, while possessing a distinct identity, is a relatively small community. This impacts the availability of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a fragmented approach to care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) should be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. A ratio significantly higher than the national average would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the presence of specialized asthma care is crucial. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, access to pulmonologists and allergists is vital, especially for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The analysis should identify the closest specialists and assess the ease of access, considering factors like travel time, insurance acceptance, and appointment availability. Limited access to specialists would significantly lower the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within the area is key. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma management. The analysis should look for practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, and employ asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs. Practices that actively monitor patient outcomes, track exacerbations, and proactively adjust treatment plans would receive a higher rating. Additionally, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing asthma-related hospitalizations, would be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly evolving aspect of healthcare, particularly relevant in rural or underserved areas like Sterrett. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence. The analysis should investigate the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine services for asthma management, including virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that embrace telemedicine would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical element of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The analysis should assess the availability of mental health services within the area, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. It should also investigate whether primary care practices screen patients for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide integrated care would enhance the Asthma Score.

Beyond these core elements, the analysis should consider other factors impacting asthma management. This includes the availability of asthma education programs, access to affordable medications, and the presence of environmental risk factors, such as air quality and allergen exposure. The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population, including the prevalence of asthma, the percentage of children with asthma, and the socioeconomic status of the residents. These factors can influence the severity of asthma and the effectiveness of treatment.

To arrive at a comprehensive Asthma Score, a weighted approach is necessary. Each of the factors discussed, including physician-to-patient ratios, specialist access, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The analysis should then gather data on each factor and assign a score based on its performance. The weighted scores for each factor are then combined to produce an overall Asthma Score for the ZIP code.

The final Asthma Score should be interpreted within the context of the community. A low score would indicate significant challenges in asthma care, highlighting the need for improvement. A high score would suggest a strong foundation for asthma management, with opportunities for further enhancement. The analysis should provide specific recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

The impact of the Asthma Score analysis extends beyond the immediate assessment. It can serve as a baseline for tracking progress over time, allowing healthcare providers and community stakeholders to monitor the effectiveness of their efforts. It can also be used to identify areas for targeted intervention, such as developing asthma education programs or improving access to specialized care. The analysis can also inform policy decisions, such as advocating for increased funding for healthcare services or promoting the adoption of telemedicine.

The data required for this analysis can be gathered from a variety of sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient advocacy groups. The analysis should be conducted by qualified healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and public health experts. The findings should be disseminated to the community through various channels, including public forums, community meetings, and online platforms.

Ultimately, the goal of the Asthma Score analysis is to improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma in Sterrett, Alabama. By identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare system, the analysis can help to create a more effective and patient-centered approach to asthma management. The data generated will provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for residents of ZIP code 35147.

For a dynamic and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sterrett, including physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping capabilities can provide a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and the challenges faced by individuals with asthma.