35987, Steele, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 35987, Steele, Alabama is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.83 percent of the residents in 35987 has some form of health insurance. 29.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.93 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 35987 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 663 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35987. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 517 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 622 health care providers accessible to residents in 35987, Steele, Alabama.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35987 and Primary Care Availability in Steele, Alabama**

The health landscape of Steele, Alabama, specifically within ZIP Code 35987, requires a nuanced examination when considering asthma care and primary care accessibility. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the availability of healthcare resources, particularly for asthma management, and the overall primary care infrastructure in the area. The evaluation will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a comprehensive approach to patient well-being, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like asthma.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In 35987, this ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments for asthma sufferers. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would be the source for this information. A thorough investigation of these resources is essential to establish a baseline understanding of the existing physician distribution.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of physicians available are also vital. While primary care physicians (PCPs) are the initial point of contact, the presence of pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is essential for effective asthma management. These specialists offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, specialized treatment options, and the expertise necessary to manage complex asthma cases. The analysis must identify the presence and availability of these specialists in or near 35987.

Identifying standout practices is a crucial aspect of this assessment. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care, evidenced by factors like specialized asthma clinics, dedicated asthma educators, and participation in asthma-focused research or quality improvement initiatives, would be considered high-performing. These practices often implement evidence-based asthma management guidelines, provide comprehensive patient education, and actively monitor patient outcomes. Recognizing these practices can help patients identify the best options for their care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Steele. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely, including consultations with specialists, medication management, and asthma education. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine services among the physicians and practices in 35987. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the services offered, and the accessibility of these services to patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services in the area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The integration of mental health services into asthma care, either directly within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is essential for holistic patient care.

Evaluating the insurance landscape is another critical element. The acceptance of various insurance plans by physicians and practices in 35987 can significantly impact patient access to care. The analysis should identify the insurance plans accepted by the available providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans. This information is essential for patients to determine which providers are accessible based on their insurance coverage.

The "Asthma Score" itself would be a composite measure, derived from the various factors discussed. It would not be a single numerical score, but a comprehensive assessment that takes into account the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the insurance landscape. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in asthma management.

The analysis would also consider the specific needs of the community. For example, if there is a high prevalence of asthma among children, the availability of pediatric pulmonologists and asthma educators would be given greater weight. Similarly, if there is a significant population of low-income individuals, the acceptance of Medicaid and the availability of affordable care options would be prioritized.

Primary care availability in Steele, Alabama, is inextricably linked to the overall asthma care landscape. The PCP serves as the cornerstone of asthma management, providing initial diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The analysis should assess the capacity of PCPs in 35987 to manage asthma, including their knowledge of asthma guidelines, their ability to provide asthma education, and their access to specialist referrals.

The analysis would also consider the geographic distribution of primary care practices within Steele. Access to care is not just about the number of physicians; it's also about the proximity of those physicians to the patients they serve. The analysis would assess the geographic distribution of primary care practices and identify any areas of the community that may be underserved.

The overall goal of this "Asthma Score" analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare resources available to asthma sufferers in 35987 and the surrounding area. This assessment can be used to inform patients about their care options, guide healthcare providers in improving their services, and support policymakers in making informed decisions about healthcare resource allocation.

This analysis, in its entirety, is complex. Gathering and interpreting the data requires a dedicated effort. However, the insights gained are invaluable. To visualize the data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can display physician locations, practice types, insurance acceptance, and other relevant information, making the data accessible and understandable.