35654, Russellville, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35654, Russellville, Alabama is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.86 percent of the residents in 35654 has some form of health insurance. 39.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.82 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 35654 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,847 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35654. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,602 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,231 health care providers accessible to residents in 35654, Russellville, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Russellville, AL (ZIP Code 35654)

This analysis delves into the quality of asthma care available to residents of Russellville, Alabama (ZIP code 35654), focusing on the availability of primary care physicians and the resources they offer. We will assess the “Asthma Score” indirectly, considering factors that significantly influence asthma management, such as access to care, specialist availability, telemedicine integration, and support for comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and its impact on asthma patients within the specified area.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Russellville is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care – all detrimental to effective asthma management. While precise, publicly available physician-to-patient ratios for Russellville specifically are often difficult to obtain, data from the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. These estimates, coupled with information on physician specialties within the area, are crucial for evaluating the accessibility of primary care and, consequently, asthma care. A higher ratio of primary care physicians, especially those with experience in respiratory illnesses, would positively impact the Asthma Score.

Primary care availability is further influenced by the presence of standout practices. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, incorporating best practices in asthma management. We must look for practices that offer comprehensive asthma education, personalized treatment plans, and regular monitoring of lung function. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant positive indicator, suggesting a proactive approach to patient empowerment and self-management. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing asthma exacerbations, would also contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, providing greater convenience and flexibility, particularly for those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. This can lead to more frequent check-ins, better medication adherence, and earlier intervention in case of worsening symptoms. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and virtual asthma education programs would receive a higher rating in this analysis.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can significantly impact asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor in assessing the quality of asthma care. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or that have strong referral networks to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can lead to improved asthma outcomes and overall well-being. The presence of mental health support directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the availability of specialist care, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, specialist consultations are often necessary for complex cases or when asthma is poorly controlled. The proximity of specialists, their acceptance of insurance plans, and their willingness to collaborate with primary care physicians are all important considerations. Limited access to specialists would negatively affect the Asthma Score.

Another factor influencing the Asthma Score is the accessibility of pharmacies and the availability of asthma medications. Patients need convenient access to pharmacies to fill prescriptions and receive medication counseling. Pharmacies that offer specialized services for asthma patients, such as medication synchronization and refill reminders, can contribute to better medication adherence and asthma control. The availability of affordable asthma medications, including both controller medications and rescue inhalers, is also essential.

The local community also plays a role in asthma management. The presence of community health programs, asthma support groups, and educational resources can empower patients and their families to effectively manage their condition. Public health initiatives that address environmental factors that trigger asthma, such as air quality monitoring and control of allergens, can also contribute to improved asthma outcomes. The presence of these community resources would positively influence the Asthma Score.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for Russellville (35654) involves a multifaceted evaluation of the healthcare landscape. It includes the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist availability, pharmacy access, and community support. A higher Asthma Score would be associated with a greater availability of resources, better access to care, and a more patient-centered approach to asthma management. This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Russellville, allowing for informed decisions and targeted improvements.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources available in Russellville and the surrounding areas, and to explore the spatial distribution of physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable perspective on the healthcare landscape and help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.