35217, Birmingham, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35217, Birmingham, Alabama is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.18 percent of the residents in 35217 has some form of health insurance. 47.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.74 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 35217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,105 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 115 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35217. An estimate of 109 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,105 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,407 health care providers accessible to residents in 35217, Birmingham, Alabama.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts public health, particularly in areas with environmental challenges and limited access to care. This analysis examines the quality of asthma care in ZIP Code 35217 (Birmingham, Alabama) and the broader context of primary care availability in the city, employing an “Asthma Score” framework to evaluate key factors. This score, though not a formally defined metric, represents a composite assessment of various aspects influencing asthma management, including physician access, practice quality, and resource availability.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical element of the Asthma Score. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised asthma control. In Birmingham, and specifically in ZIP Code 35217, the physician density, especially concerning primary care physicians and pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases), is a significant consideration. Researching the specific ratio within 35217 requires detailed data, but understanding the broader Birmingham context is crucial. The city, like many urban areas, may have pockets of physician shortages, especially in underserved communities. Public health data, hospital networks, and professional medical organizations often provide insights into these ratios, allowing for a preliminary assessment of access.

The quality of care within individual practices significantly influences the Asthma Score. This involves evaluating several factors. Does the practice have a dedicated asthma management program? Does it offer patient education materials and support groups? Are they using evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, including regular assessments of asthma control and medication adjustments? Do they offer peak flow meter training and encourage the use of action plans? Practices excelling in these areas, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive asthma management, would receive a higher score. Identifying standout practices requires investigation into individual physician profiles, patient reviews, and the availability of practice-specific information.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online education, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. In 35217, practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication refills, and asthma education, would receive a higher score. This is particularly relevant for patients who may face transportation barriers or have difficulty attending in-person appointments. The availability of telehealth services can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.

The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is increasingly recognized as crucial. Asthma and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are often comorbid. Addressing the psychological aspects of asthma management can improve patient outcomes. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or collaborate with mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This integrated approach recognizes the holistic needs of patients and promotes better overall well-being.

Primary care availability in Birmingham, beyond the specific ZIP code, is a crucial contextual factor. The broader availability of primary care physicians influences the Asthma Score. A robust primary care system provides patients with a medical home, where they can receive ongoing care, preventive services, and referrals to specialists when needed. The presence of accessible primary care physicians in Birmingham can reduce the burden on emergency rooms and improve the overall management of chronic conditions like asthma. Assessing primary care availability involves analyzing the number of primary care physicians per capita, the distribution of practices across the city, and the availability of appointment slots.

Specific practices within 35217 should be evaluated based on their asthma management programs, patient education initiatives, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Researching the specific practices in this ZIP code requires examining their websites, contacting their offices, and reviewing patient feedback. The presence of certified asthma educators, dedicated asthma clinics, and participation in quality improvement programs would all contribute to a higher score. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) for asthma management, including tracking asthma control, medication adherence, and exacerbations, is another indicator of quality.

The availability of resources beyond medical care also influences the Asthma Score. Access to affordable medications, asthma-friendly housing, and environmental control measures can significantly impact asthma outcomes. Examining the presence of community health programs, support groups, and educational resources for asthma patients in 35217 is important. The availability of resources that address environmental triggers, such as mold, dust mites, and allergens, can improve asthma control.

The overall Asthma Score for 35217, and the broader context of Birmingham, is a complex assessment. It is not a single number but a holistic evaluation of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care within individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of primary care all contribute to the score. Analyzing these factors requires detailed data collection, practice-specific investigations, and an understanding of the community's needs.

The Asthma Score framework provides a valuable lens for assessing the quality of asthma care in a specific area. It highlights the importance of access to care, the quality of medical practices, and the availability of resources. By considering these factors, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities in asthma management and work toward improving outcomes for patients.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points in ZIP Code 35217 and the broader Birmingham area, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution.