35466, Gordo, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35466, Gordo, Alabama is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.41 percent of the residents in 35466 has some form of health insurance. 41.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.50 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 35466 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,446 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35466. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 922 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 678 health care providers accessible to residents in 35466, Gordo, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Gordo, Alabama (ZIP Code 35466)

Gordo, Alabama, nestled in Pickens County, presents a unique healthcare landscape, particularly concerning asthma management. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care resources within ZIP code 35466, focusing on their capacity to address the needs of asthma patients. We'll examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight notable practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. In Gordo, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, the general trend in rural Alabama, including Pickens County, often reveals a lower number of physicians per capita compared to urban areas. This means that residents, including those with asthma, may face challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent follow-up care. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations.

Within Gordo, several primary care practices serve the community. Assessing their performance in asthma management requires considering factors beyond just the number of doctors. The quality of care hinges on several key elements. Does the practice have a dedicated asthma management protocol? Are physicians and nurses trained in current asthma guidelines? Do they offer spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool? Do they provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique? Practices excelling in these areas would earn higher marks on our Asthma Score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a potential solution to bridge the healthcare access gap in rural communities. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Gordo is a significant factor in our assessment. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, facilitating medication refills, follow-up appointments, and even initial consultations for less severe asthma symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to counseling services, either in-house or through partnerships with mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being and contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

Evaluating the overall "Asthma Score" for primary care in Gordo involves synthesizing these factors. A practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a robust asthma management protocol, a commitment to patient education, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices lacking these elements would receive a lower score, reflecting potential challenges in accessing and receiving optimal asthma care.

Specific practices in Gordo would need to be assessed individually to provide a precise score. However, we can hypothesize a range. Practices with limited resources, potentially struggling with physician shortages and lacking telemedicine capabilities, might score in the lower range. Practices demonstrating proactive asthma management strategies, including patient education and telemedicine options, would likely score higher. The availability of mental health services would be a crucial differentiator.

The challenges faced by asthma patients in Gordo underscore the need for continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. Addressing the physician-to-patient ratio, supporting practices in adopting evidence-based asthma management protocols, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health resources are all crucial steps toward improving the Asthma Score and, more importantly, the quality of life for asthma patients in the community.

The ongoing assessment of primary care resources is vital. Regularly evaluating physician availability, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health integration helps to identify areas for improvement and ensures that patients receive the best possible care. This continuous monitoring and improvement process is essential for maintaining a high Asthma Score and creating a healthier community.

CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare resources in Gordo, Alabama, including the distribution of primary care practices, the availability of specialists, and the prevalence of asthma. This information can be used to identify gaps in care, inform healthcare planning, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of the community.

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