35555, Fayette, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35555, Fayette, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.47 percent of the residents in 35555 has some form of health insurance. 47.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.04 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 35555 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,150 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35555. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,912 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 304 health care providers accessible to residents in 35555, Fayette, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Fayette, Alabama (ZIP Code 35555)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within Fayette, Alabama (ZIP code 35555), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and associated factors. We will examine the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis.

Fayette County, where ZIP code 35555 is located, is a predominantly rural area. This characteristic significantly influences healthcare access, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. The availability of PCPs, who often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma diagnosis and management, is a critical factor in determining the quality of care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Fayette County is likely a key indicator. National averages suggest a benchmark of approximately one PCP per 1,300 residents. However, rural areas often face shortages, leading to higher ratios and potentially reduced access. Researching the exact ratio within Fayette is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Alabama Department of Public Health would provide this essential information. A higher-than-average ratio indicates a potential challenge for residents in securing timely appointments and ongoing care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also vital. Are the physicians clustered in one area, or are they dispersed throughout the county, ensuring accessibility for residents in all communities? The location of practices relative to public transportation routes, schools, and residential areas further influences accessibility.

Identifying standout practices within Fayette requires a deeper dive. This involves examining factors like the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of ancillary services like pulmonary function testing, and the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that actively participate in asthma management programs, adhere to national guidelines, and offer comprehensive care are essential. Patient reviews and feedback, available through online platforms, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element of the "Asthma Score." In a rural setting, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive ongoing monitoring without the need for frequent travel. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals, demonstrate a commitment to improving access and convenience. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is, of course, a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can take a toll on mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. Does the community have access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists? Are these resources integrated into the primary care setting, or are patients required to navigate a separate system? The presence of support groups and educational programs for patients and their families also contributes to a higher "Asthma Score."

Analyzing the insurance landscape in Fayette is also relevant. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, impacts access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans ensure that a broader segment of the population can access the care they need. The availability of financial assistance programs for low-income patients is another factor that should be considered.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Fayette (ZIP code 35555) would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the insurance landscape. A high score would indicate a well-resourced system with good access to care, while a low score would highlight areas needing improvement. The score should be viewed as a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve.

The "Asthma Score" should be a living document, regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to identify areas where improvements are needed and to track the impact of any interventions. This could include tracking asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Finally, it is critical to consider the patient's perspective. Patient satisfaction surveys, focus groups, and other forms of patient feedback can provide invaluable insights into the quality of care and identify areas where improvements are needed.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fayette, including the locations of PCPs, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geospatial visualization of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to see the distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care. They can also be used to analyze the impact of geographical factors on access to care.

**Explore the healthcare landscape of Fayette with CartoChrome maps. Understand the distribution of resources and make informed decisions about your health.**