35745, Estillfork, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35745, Estillfork, Alabama is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.00 percent of the residents in 35745 has some form of health insurance. 54.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 28.00 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 35745 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35745. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 21 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 95 health care providers accessible to residents in 35745, Estillfork, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 35745 & Primary Care in Estillfork

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. For ZIP code 35745, encompassing areas like Estillfork, Alabama, and considering primary care availability, especially in relation to asthma management, requires a deep dive. This analysis will focus on several key factors, ultimately aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" perspective, though a definitive numerical score is impossible without direct access to proprietary healthcare data.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management lies in accessible and competent primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical initial indicator. Understanding the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) per 1,000 residents in 35745 is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide population estimates. Simultaneously, databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Masterfile, or local hospital directories, can help identify practicing PCPs within the ZIP code. A lower ratio (fewer doctors per patient) suggests potential access challenges, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, who require regular check-ups and medication management.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the area is vital. Are physicians concentrated in a single location, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in Estillfork and surrounding areas? Consider the proximity of practices to major roadways, public transportation, and areas with higher concentrations of vulnerable populations (e.g., those with lower incomes or limited transportation options). The closer the practices, the better.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes not only providing routine check-ups and medication prescriptions but also offering patient education, asthma action plans, and referrals to specialists when necessary. Identifying these practices requires reviewing online patient reviews, examining the services listed on practice websites, and potentially contacting local healthcare advocacy groups or community health centers. Does the practice have certified asthma educators on staff? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate working families? Do they proactively monitor patient adherence to prescribed medications? These are all crucial aspects of a high-quality asthma care practice.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or medication refills, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas like Estillfork. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, saving time and money. Investigate which practices in 35745 offer telemedicine services, and assess the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, secure messaging, remote monitoring). Are these services readily accessible, or are they limited to specific patient populations or appointment types?

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial in asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Ideally, primary care practices should have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or even have mental health services integrated within their practice. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being. Investigate whether practices in 35745 have these integrated services or established referral networks.

Another crucial aspect is the availability of specialized asthma care. While PCPs are the first line of defense, some patients require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. Determining the proximity of these specialists to 35745 is important. If specialized care requires significant travel, it can create barriers to access, potentially leading to poorer asthma control. Consider the availability of local hospitals equipped to handle asthma exacerbations, including access to emergency care and respiratory therapists.

Analyzing the availability of asthma medications is equally important. The affordability and accessibility of inhalers, nebulizers, and other necessary medications are critical to effective asthma management. Are there local pharmacies within easy reach of residents? Do these pharmacies offer competitive pricing and accept a wide range of insurance plans? Are there programs available to assist low-income patients in accessing affordable medications? Investigating these factors can provide valuable insights into the overall quality of asthma care in the area.

The presence of community health initiatives can also influence the "Asthma Score." Are there local organizations or programs dedicated to asthma education, awareness, or support? These initiatives can provide valuable resources to patients and their families, empowering them to better manage their condition. Does the local health department offer asthma education classes or home visits? Are there support groups for asthma patients and their caregivers?

Furthermore, consider the demographics of the population in 35745. Are there specific populations at higher risk for asthma, such as children or individuals from certain racial or ethnic groups? Tailoring healthcare services to meet the unique needs of these populations can improve asthma outcomes. This might involve providing culturally sensitive education materials or offering services in multiple languages.

The "Asthma Score" for 35745, therefore, is not a single number but a complex evaluation of all these factors. A high score would indicate excellent primary care availability, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices with comprehensive asthma care, widespread telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, easy access to specialized care and affordable medications, and the presence of robust community health initiatives. Conversely, a low score would suggest significant challenges in accessing and receiving high-quality asthma care.

Ultimately, improving asthma care in areas like Estillfork requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers must work together to address any identified gaps in care. This includes increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, promoting mental health integration, ensuring access to affordable medications, and implementing community-based asthma education programs. The goal is to create a healthcare environment where all residents of 35745, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives, even with asthma.

To visualize these complex healthcare access patterns, and to identify potential areas for improvement, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for the visualization of physician locations, population demographics, and other relevant data points, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access in 35745.