35172, Trafford, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35172, Trafford, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.14 percent of the residents in 35172 has some form of health insurance. 37.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.41 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 35172 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 552 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35172. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 439 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,187 health care providers accessible to residents in 35172, Trafford, Alabama.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts quality of life. Effective management hinges on accessible, high-quality healthcare. This analysis assesses the landscape of asthma care within ZIP code 35172, encompassing the town of Trafford, Alabama, focusing on primary care availability and related resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for asthma sufferers. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Alabama Department of Public Health will be essential in determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 35172. This data needs to be cross-referenced with population demographics to understand the true impact on accessibility. The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also critical. While primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact, access to specialists is vital for complex cases and specialized treatments.

Trafford, being a relatively small community, likely relies on a network of primary care practices within and around the ZIP code. Analyzing the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, their patient load, and their acceptance of new patients will paint a picture of primary care availability. It is important to look at the number of physicians accepting new patients. This is a vital factor in determining the ease with which residents can access care. The proximity of these practices to residential areas, and the availability of public transportation to reach them, are also important considerations.

Standout practices in asthma management are those that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive care, and the use of evidence-based guidelines. These practices often employ certified asthma educators, who provide personalized instruction on medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-management techniques. They also implement asthma action plans, tailored to each patient's needs, to help them manage their condition effectively. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) allows for better coordination of care, improved medication management, and the ability to track patient outcomes over time.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to enhance asthma care in rural areas like Trafford. Telemedicine can provide access to specialists, facilitate medication refills, and enable remote monitoring of patients' symptoms. The availability of telemedicine services within the primary care practices in 35172 should be assessed. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, the technology used, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers. The ease of access to reliable internet connectivity within the community is a key factor in the successful implementation of telemedicine.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and these conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community or nearby is essential. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The quality of asthma care in 35172 can be assessed by analyzing patient outcomes. This includes looking at hospitalization rates for asthma, emergency room visits, and the number of missed school or work days due to asthma. Data from local hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies can provide valuable insights into these metrics. Patient satisfaction surveys can also provide valuable feedback on the quality of care received.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in ZIP code 35172 requires a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and access to mental health resources. A comprehensive analysis of these factors, coupled with an assessment of patient outcomes, will provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance asthma management in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Trafford, including the location of primary care practices, specialist offices, and pharmacies, and to analyze demographic data in relation to healthcare access, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and its impact on the community.