35441, Akron, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35441, Akron, Alabama is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.80 percent of the residents in 35441 has some form of health insurance. 27.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.88 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 35441 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 339 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35441. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 152 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 42 health care providers accessible to residents in 35441, Akron, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35441 and Primary Care Availability in Akron

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services, focusing on asthma management, within ZIP code 35441 (likely a specific area within the larger city of Akron) and then broadens the scope to consider the overall primary care landscape in Akron. The goal is to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering factors relevant to asthma sufferers seeking accessible and effective healthcare. This score will be a composite of several elements, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive asthma care.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). In ZIP code 35441, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from the Ohio Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local hospital systems must be analyzed to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the area and the population they serve. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, will negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater access, will contribute positively. This initial assessment provides a baseline understanding of accessibility.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires delving deeper. This involves examining patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Vitals. Furthermore, analyzing the practice’s adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is crucial. Practices demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based asthma management, including regular spirometry testing, personalized asthma action plans, and patient education, will receive higher marks. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is another significant positive indicator. These details, combined with data on insurance acceptance and appointment wait times, contribute to a more nuanced understanding of practice quality.

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption within ZIP code 35441 and Akron is a key factor in the Asthma Score. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and online prescription refills receive higher marks. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas. The availability of telehealth services reduces the burden of travel and allows for more frequent monitoring, which is essential for effective asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a vital component of the Asthma Score. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will be rated more favorably. This integrated approach to care recognizes the holistic needs of asthma patients and contributes to better overall health outcomes.

Expanding the analysis to the broader primary care landscape in Akron reveals additional insights. Comparing the physician-to-patient ratios across different ZIP codes within the city highlights potential disparities in access to care. Analyzing the distribution of specialist services, such as pulmonologists and allergists, provides a more complete picture of the resources available to asthma sufferers. Examining the presence of community health centers and free clinics, which often serve vulnerable populations, is also essential.

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 35441 and Akron will be a composite of these factors. Each element – physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weighted score. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the accessibility and quality of asthma care in the area. A high score indicates a favorable environment for asthma patients, while a low score highlights areas for improvement.

For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio combined with excellent practice quality, robust telemedicine offerings, and readily available mental health support would yield a high Asthma Score. Conversely, a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health resources would result in a lower score. This comparative analysis allows for a more informed assessment of the healthcare landscape.

The specific data points used to calculate the Asthma Score, such as the number of PCPs, patient satisfaction scores, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability, need to be collected and analyzed. This analysis, which requires access to both public and proprietary datasets, provides a valuable tool for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers looking to improve their services.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare resources available to asthma patients in ZIP code 35441 and Akron. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable indicator of the quality and accessibility of care, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlighting areas where improvements are needed.

To visualize the distribution of PCPs, specialist services, and other relevant healthcare data, and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 35441 and Akron, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful way to analyze the data and identify areas with the greatest need for improved asthma care.