35460, Epes, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35460, Epes, Alabama is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 35460 has some form of health insurance. 48.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.52 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 35460 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 277 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35460. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 49 health care providers accessible to residents in 35460, Epes, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35460 & Primary Care Availability in Epes, Alabama

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors in ZIP Code 35460, encompassing the town of Epes, Alabama, with a particular emphasis on asthma care and primary care availability. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, assessing the resources available to patients, and to offer insights into potential areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Epes, a rural community, this ratio is likely a significant challenge. National averages often don't reflect the reality on the ground. The scarcity of doctors, particularly primary care physicians, directly impacts the ability of asthma sufferers to receive timely diagnoses, regular check-ups, and effective management plans. This lack of access can lead to increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and a lower overall quality of life for those with asthma. Data on the precise physician-to-patient ratio in 35460 requires specific local data, which is often not publicly available.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. They can initiate diagnostic testing, prescribe medications, and educate patients on asthma triggers and management strategies. The availability of PCPs in Epes, therefore, is critical. If the number of PCPs is limited, patients may face longer wait times for appointments, making it difficult to manage asthma effectively. This scarcity can also force patients to travel significant distances for care, adding to the burden of their illness.

The “Asthma Score” needs to consider the presence of specialists. While PCPs are crucial, access to pulmonologists and allergists is equally important for complex asthma cases. These specialists possess the expertise to diagnose and treat severe asthma, offering advanced therapies and personalized management plans. The absence of these specialists within a reasonable distance from Epes would significantly lower the "Asthma Score," indicating a lack of specialized care for those with more severe asthma.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in improving healthcare access in rural areas like Epes. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The availability of telemedicine services for asthma management, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication refills, would significantly enhance the "Asthma Score." The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, and the types of services offered, are crucial considerations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in managing chronic illnesses, can greatly improve the quality of life for asthma sufferers. The integration of mental health services into asthma care, either through on-site providers or referrals, would positively influence the "Asthma Score."

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 35460 requires a review of their services and patient outcomes. Practices that prioritize asthma management, offer comprehensive care, and actively engage with patients are essential. This includes practices that have implemented asthma education programs, provide personalized asthma action plans, and regularly monitor patient progress. Practices that have adopted telemedicine and integrated mental health services would be considered particularly strong in their approach. The "Asthma Score" would be elevated for practices demonstrating these characteristics.

The overall "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 35460 would be a composite metric, considering all the factors discussed. It would reflect the availability of PCPs and specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing and managing asthma care, while a high score would suggest a more robust and accessible healthcare environment.

The specific data needed to calculate a precise "Asthma Score" includes the number of physicians in the area, the specialties they offer, the availability of telemedicine services, the integration of mental health resources, and the patient outcomes of local practices. This data is often collected through surveys, public health records, and direct communication with healthcare providers.

The town of Epes, like many rural communities, faces significant healthcare challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including efforts to increase the number of physicians, expand telemedicine services, integrate mental health resources, and support practices that prioritize asthma management. This analysis highlights the importance of these factors in improving the quality of life for asthma sufferers in Epes and the surrounding areas.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 35460 and the challenges faced by asthma sufferers. Further investigation, including data collection and analysis, is needed to develop a comprehensive "Asthma Score" and identify specific areas for improvement.

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