35806, Huntsville, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35806, Huntsville, Alabama is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.99 percent of the residents in 35806 has some form of health insurance. 21.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.24 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 35806 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35806. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,697 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12,192 health care providers accessible to residents in 35806, Huntsville, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Huntsville, AL (ZIP Code 35806) and Primary Care Access

Analyzing asthma care within Huntsville, Alabama's 35806 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), the specific resources available for asthma management, and the integration of innovative healthcare solutions. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering key factors like physician density, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, all crucial for effective asthma care.

The foundation of good asthma management lies in accessible and competent primary care. In 35806, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the patient population they serve. This data, combined with information on appointment scheduling practices and the acceptance of new patients, forms the basis for evaluating access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the specialization of practices is vital. While PCPs are the first point of contact, access to pulmonologists and allergists is critical for asthma management, especially for patients with moderate to severe asthma. The presence of these specialists within or easily accessible from 35806 significantly impacts the Asthma Score. Practices that offer in-house allergy testing, pulmonary function tests, and access to respiratory therapists contribute to a higher score by providing comprehensive care. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care and emergency services is a crucial factor, particularly for managing acute asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, and its adoption within 35806 significantly influences the Asthma Score. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of respiratory symptoms, and online patient portals for communication and prescription refills demonstrate a commitment to accessible and convenient care. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, enabling them to manage their condition more effectively, especially during times of illness or when travel to a clinic is difficult. The availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access to these services all contribute to the overall score.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized, and this is particularly relevant for asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within the 35806 area directly impacts the Asthma Score. Practices that screen for mental health concerns, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This integration of mental health services is crucial for addressing the psychological impact of asthma and improving overall patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within 35806 is essential for understanding the landscape of asthma care. This requires analyzing patient reviews, assessing the practice's adherence to asthma guidelines, and evaluating their patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide detailed asthma action plans, and offer educational resources on triggers, medications, and proper inhaler technique contribute to a higher score. Furthermore, practices that participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives demonstrate a commitment to advancing asthma care.

The Asthma Score for 35806 is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that evolves with changes in healthcare delivery. Factors like the introduction of new medications, advancements in telemedicine technology, and changes in insurance coverage can all impact the score. Ongoing monitoring and analysis are crucial for ensuring that asthma patients in 35806 have access to the best possible care. This requires continuous evaluation of physician availability, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall quality of care provided.

The analysis must also consider the socio-economic factors within the ZIP code. Disparities in access to care and health outcomes can exist based on income, race, and other demographic factors. Addressing these disparities requires a nuanced understanding of the community and a commitment to providing equitable care to all residents. This includes ensuring that all patients have access to affordable medications, transportation to appointments, and culturally sensitive healthcare services.

The overall Asthma Score for 35806 would be a composite score, based on the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, physician availability and access to specialists might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific needs of the community. The score would be presented with a clear explanation of the methodology and the factors considered.

Finally, the analysis should include a comparison to other ZIP codes or regions to provide context. Benchmarking the Asthma Score for 35806 against other areas can highlight areas of strength and weakness and inform efforts to improve asthma care. This comparative analysis would provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

To gain a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35806 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, we invite you to explore the power of data visualization.

**Click here to explore the healthcare map of Huntsville and gain a deeper understanding of asthma care in your community with CartoChrome maps.**