35572, Houston, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35572, Houston, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.71 percent of the residents in 35572 has some form of health insurance. 28.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.37 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 35572 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 126 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35572. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 347 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 55 health care providers accessible to residents in 35572, Houston, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Comparing ZIP Code 35572 and Houston Primary Care

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, focusing on asthma management, within two distinct geographic areas: ZIP code 35572 and the broader metropolitan area of Houston, Texas. The goal is to provide a comparative "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical elements in effective asthma care.

ZIP code 35572, a specific geographic area, likely represents a smaller population and may exhibit unique challenges or advantages compared to the sprawling urban landscape of Houston. Houston, with its diverse population and healthcare infrastructure, offers a different set of considerations. The "Asthma Score" will be a qualitative assessment, acknowledging the complexities of healthcare delivery and the limitations of readily available data.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access:**

A fundamental aspect of asthma care is access to a primary care physician (PCP). Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally suggests better access, leading to more frequent check-ups, timely interventions, and improved asthma control. In Houston, with its extensive healthcare system, the overall physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs might appear relatively favorable. However, this average can mask significant disparities. Certain areas of Houston, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status or limited public transportation, might experience higher ratios and reduced access.

ZIP code 35572, depending on its demographic composition and geographic isolation, could present a different scenario. It's possible that this area faces a shortage of PCPs, leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased reliance on emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations. Further investigation would be needed to determine the specific physician-to-patient ratio and identify any potential access barriers within 35572.

**Standout Practices and Asthma Management:**

Beyond physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. In Houston, numerous primary care practices offer specialized asthma management programs. These programs often involve certified asthma educators, personalized asthma action plans, and regular follow-up appointments. Some practices may utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to assess lung function and monitor disease progression. These practices would likely receive a higher score in the "Asthma Score" assessment.

In contrast, the availability of such specialized programs in ZIP code 35572 might be limited. Smaller practices in rural or underserved areas may lack the resources to invest in specialized asthma management. The "Asthma Score" for practices in 35572 would reflect this potential disparity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve asthma care quality.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly for patients with limited mobility or those living in remote areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices in Houston, with their greater access to technology and resources, are likely to have a higher adoption rate of telemedicine. This can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients.

The adoption of telemedicine in ZIP code 35572 might be lower, potentially due to limited internet access, a lack of technological infrastructure, or a reluctance among some physicians to embrace virtual care. This difference in telemedicine adoption would significantly impact the "Asthma Score" and highlight the need for efforts to expand telemedicine access in 35572.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma:**

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and these conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore crucial. Practices in Houston, particularly those affiliated with larger healthcare systems, may have integrated mental health services, including on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health professionals.

The availability of mental health resources in ZIP code 35572 might be more limited. Rural areas often face shortages of mental health providers, and access to these services may be a significant challenge for asthma patients. This disparity would be reflected in the "Asthma Score," emphasizing the need for increased access to mental health support in 35572.

**Comparative "Asthma Score" Summary:**

The "Asthma Score" assessment would likely reveal a more favorable environment for asthma management in Houston, given its larger healthcare infrastructure, greater access to specialists, and higher adoption of telemedicine. However, this score could mask significant disparities within Houston itself. ZIP code 35572, depending on its specific characteristics, might face greater challenges in terms of physician access, specialized asthma programs, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis underscores the importance of evaluating healthcare access and quality at both a macro (Houston) and micro (ZIP code 35572) level. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within each area is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve asthma care. The "Asthma Score" serves as a framework for this evaluation, highlighting the key factors that contribute to successful asthma management.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in these areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore interactive maps and data visualizations provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping tools can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare providers and the geographic disparities in access to care.