35587, Townley, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35587, Townley, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.79 percent of the residents in 35587 has some form of health insurance. 37.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.12 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 35587 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35587. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 143 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 93 health care providers accessible to residents in 35587, Townley, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Townley, Alabama (ZIP Code 35587)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Townley, Alabama (ZIP code 35587) requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating not just the number of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and integration of support services. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering various factors influencing patient outcomes. It will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, ultimately painting a picture of the resources available to asthma sufferers in this community.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Townley, the availability of primary care physicians is critical, especially given the high prevalence of asthma, which often requires ongoing management and regular check-ups. Accurate data on the precise number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code is crucial. This data, however, can be difficult to obtain precisely. Publicly available information often presents broader county-level statistics, which may not accurately reflect the realities of Townley. The physician-to-patient ratio, therefore, becomes an estimated figure. This estimation should be based on available data, considering the population of Townley and the surrounding areas that patients may access for care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians relative to the population, could significantly impact asthma management. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potential challenges in maintaining consistent follow-up care, all of which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase the risk of hospitalizations.

Identifying standout practices within Townley is essential. These practices often represent the gold standard in asthma care, demonstrating excellence in patient management, education, and adherence to best practices. Assessing practices requires a review of several factors. Patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including the responsiveness of staff, the clarity of communication, and the overall quality of care. Furthermore, the adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols, such as those outlined by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), is a key indicator of quality. Practices that actively monitor patient symptoms, provide personalized asthma action plans, and offer patient education programs are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Assessing the practice’s use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication with specialists is also important.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Townley, where access to in-person care may be limited. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating virtual consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in Townley is a significant factor in the "Asthma Score" assessment. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance patient engagement. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, the patient's comfort level with technology, and the physician's ability to conduct thorough virtual assessments.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Townley is a crucial component of the "Asthma Score" assessment. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, who can provide support and treatment to patients with asthma. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices is highly desirable. This integration can facilitate early identification of mental health issues and provide patients with convenient access to care. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing asthma and its associated mental health challenges also contributes to a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

The "Asthma Score" for Townley, Alabama, is ultimately a composite measure reflecting the interplay of these factors. It is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that evolves as the healthcare landscape changes. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for asthma management, with readily available primary care physicians, high-quality practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and accessible mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing care, which may necessitate interventions to improve patient outcomes.

The specific details of the "Asthma Score" for Townley would require gathering data from various sources. This includes public health records, physician directories, patient surveys, and practice assessments. The process of compiling and analyzing this data is complex. The final "Asthma Score" would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the asthma care landscape in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources available in Townley and the surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a geospatial representation of physician locations, practice locations, and the distribution of other healthcare services. CartoChrome maps allow you to visually analyze the accessibility of care, identify areas with limited resources, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Townley. They can also be used to identify potential gaps in care and inform strategies for improving patient outcomes.