35980, Horton, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35980, Horton, Alabama is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.79 percent of the residents in 35980 has some form of health insurance. 40.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.93 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 35980 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,960 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35980. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 765 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,192 health care providers accessible to residents in 35980, Horton, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Horton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35980)

This analysis provides an assessment of asthma care and primary care availability within Horton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35980), considering factors relevant to patient access, quality of care, and resource utilization. The aim is to evaluate the local landscape for individuals managing asthma, offering insights into potential strengths and weaknesses within the healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of a robust asthma management system rests on accessible and readily available primary care physicians (PCPs). In Horton, the availability of PCPs is a crucial determinant of asthma care quality. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially inadequate monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adherence. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating a greater concentration of PCPs, generally translates to improved access and more proactive management strategies. The specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 35980 needs to be researched to determine the precise level of access. This will involve identifying the number of active PCPs practicing within the defined geographic area and comparing it to the estimated population of Horton.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. A comprehensive asthma management plan requires regular check-ups, personalized treatment plans, and patient education. Practices that prioritize these elements are likely to achieve superior patient outcomes. The analysis should seek to identify standout practices within the area. This will involve researching practices that have demonstrated a commitment to asthma care, perhaps through accreditation, specialized training, or positive patient testimonials. These practices may employ certified asthma educators, offer spirometry testing on-site, and actively monitor patient adherence to prescribed medications.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery. In rural areas like Horton, telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially minimizing disruptions to their daily lives. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication refills, are likely to offer a more patient-centric and accessible approach to asthma care. The analysis must determine the level of telemedicine adoption within the area, identifying practices that offer these services and assessing their impact on patient outcomes.

Mental health considerations are integral to comprehensive asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, access to mental health resources is crucial. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within Horton, including the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The assessment should also consider the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, as this can facilitate early identification and treatment of mental health issues. Practices that offer integrated mental health support are likely to provide a more holistic and effective approach to asthma care.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the availability of specialized asthma care resources. This includes the presence of pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, referrals to specialists are sometimes necessary for complex cases or when symptoms are poorly controlled. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists significantly impact the level of care available to asthma patients in Horton.

The quality of asthma care also depends on patient education and self-management strategies. Practices that provide educational materials, teach patients how to use inhalers correctly, and offer support for managing asthma triggers are likely to achieve better outcomes. The analysis should investigate the educational resources available to patients, including the availability of asthma education classes, written materials, and online resources.

Medication access is another important factor. The analysis should consider the availability of asthma medications at local pharmacies and the affordability of these medications. Practices that work with patients to navigate insurance coverage and medication costs are likely to improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Finally, the analysis must consider the impact of environmental factors on asthma management. Horton's location, including its proximity to potential allergens, air quality, and other environmental hazards, may influence asthma triggers. The analysis should investigate the local environment and identify any potential risks that may exacerbate asthma symptoms.

The analysis must also consider the level of community support available to asthma patients. This includes the presence of support groups, advocacy organizations, and community health programs. These resources can provide patients with valuable information, emotional support, and access to additional resources.

In conclusion, a comprehensive asthma score analysis for Horton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35980) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialized care availability, patient education, medication access, environmental factors, and community support. By assessing these factors, a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local asthma care landscape can be developed.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Horton, Alabama, including the locations of healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and other relevant data, consider exploring interactive maps and data visualizations using CartoChrome. These tools can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of care within the area.