35470, Livingston, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35470, Livingston, Alabama is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.23 percent of the residents in 35470 has some form of health insurance. 50.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.50 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 35470 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,233 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35470. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 624 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30 health care providers accessible to residents in 35470, Livingston, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Livingston, Alabama (ZIP Code 35470)

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within Livingston, Alabama (ZIP Code 35470), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, the utilization of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure concerning asthma management. This evaluation considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the accessibility of mental health support, all crucial elements in delivering comprehensive asthma care.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible and quality primary care. In Livingston, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the Asthma Score. The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners must be analyzed to determine the precise ratio within the ZIP code. This number will be weighted heavily in the overall score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The Asthma Score considers the presence of practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific best practices. This involves evaluating the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. Practices that actively engage in asthma action plan development, regular monitoring of lung function (e.g., spirometry), and patient education on medication adherence and environmental control measures will receive higher marks. Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma education programs, ideally led by certified asthma educators, will significantly enhance the score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Livingston. Its integration into asthma management can significantly impact the Asthma Score. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for routine follow-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education will be viewed favorably. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans and better asthma control. The adoption rate of telemedicine within the local primary care practices will be a key factor in determining the score.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma symptoms and control. The Asthma Score will therefore assess the availability of mental health resources for asthma patients. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to local mental health providers, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care. Practices that actively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients will contribute positively to the overall score.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 35470 is a crucial aspect of this analysis. This involves a detailed examination of individual practices, considering their adherence to asthma guidelines, their use of technology (including telemedicine), their patient satisfaction scores, and their integration of mental health services. Practices that demonstrate a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to asthma care will be highlighted as models of excellence, thereby raising the overall Asthma Score for the community. These practices often provide a benchmark for other providers in the area.

The assessment of the local healthcare infrastructure should also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to pulmonologists or allergists can be vital for patients with complex or poorly controlled asthma. The proximity of specialists and the ease of referral processes will be factored into the score. The ability of primary care physicians to effectively collaborate with specialists is also a key consideration.

The accessibility of prescription medications is another important factor. The Asthma Score will assess the proximity of pharmacies and the availability of commonly prescribed asthma medications. The affordability of medications, including the availability of patient assistance programs, will also be considered. Ensuring that patients can readily obtain their necessary medications is crucial for effective asthma management.

The Asthma Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The final score will provide a snapshot of the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Livingston, Alabama. It is important to note that this analysis is not exhaustive and relies on the availability of data. The score will be dynamic and subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available.

This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within the ZIP code, highlighting areas for improvement and celebrating best practices. The ultimate goal is to contribute to better asthma management and improved health outcomes for the residents of Livingston.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Livingston, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a dynamic and insightful perspective on the data analyzed in this Asthma Score assessment.