36256, Daviston, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36256, Daviston, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.83 percent of the residents in 36256 has some form of health insurance. 36.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.11 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 36256 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 386 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36256. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 261 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 75 health care providers accessible to residents in 36256, Daviston, Alabama.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, particularly in areas with limited access to quality healthcare. This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 36256 (Daviston, Alabama) and assesses the availability of primary care, crucial for managing asthma effectively. The goal is to provide an asthma score analysis, highlighting key factors influencing patient care and access.

Evaluating the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is fundamental. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and increased hospitalizations for asthma patients. In Daviston, a rural area, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a concern. Data collection from state licensing boards and local healthcare providers is necessary to determine the exact ratio. A low ratio necessitates proactive measures, such as incentivizing physicians to practice in the area and exploring innovative healthcare delivery models.

The quality of asthma care within Daviston hinges on several factors, including the expertise of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. The absence of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, can pose a significant challenge. Patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require the expertise of these specialists. The analysis must identify the presence of such specialists, even if they are located outside the immediate ZIP Code, and assess the ease of access to their services.

Standout practices within Daviston would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma management. This includes practices that adhere to national guidelines for asthma care, provide patient education on asthma triggers and medication use, and offer regular follow-up appointments to monitor disease control. These practices should have robust patient education programs. They should have trained staff to administer peak flow meters and inhaler techniques. They should have well-defined asthma action plans for their patients.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for extending healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by practices in Daviston is critical. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and enhance overall asthma management. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health often plays a significant, yet often overlooked, role in asthma management. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, which can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce treatment adherence. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health resources within Daviston. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential for providing holistic care to asthma patients.

Another crucial aspect of the analysis is the availability of resources for asthma education and self-management. This includes access to educational materials, support groups, and asthma action plans. Practices that provide these resources empower patients to take an active role in managing their asthma. The analysis should identify the availability of these resources and assess their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.

The analysis must also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can create significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The analysis should assess the prevalence of these factors within Daviston and identify any programs or initiatives aimed at addressing these disparities.

The effectiveness of asthma management can be gauged by examining asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. High rates of these events indicate poor asthma control and inadequate access to care. The analysis should examine these metrics and identify any trends or patterns. This data is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of current asthma care practices and identifying areas for improvement.

The analysis of the asthma care landscape in Daviston will culminate in an “Asthma Score.” This score will be a composite metric reflecting the availability of primary care, the quality of asthma management, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. The score will be a valuable tool for assessing the overall health of the community.

The analysis will also consider the presence of environmental factors that can trigger asthma symptoms. This includes air quality, the presence of allergens, and exposure to irritants. The analysis should identify any environmental hazards and assess their impact on asthma prevalence and severity. Collaboration with local environmental agencies is essential for addressing these concerns.

To improve asthma care in Daviston, several recommendations are likely to emerge from the analysis. These may include increasing the number of PCPs, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, integrating mental health services into primary care, and implementing patient education programs. The recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs of the community and should be based on evidence-based practices.

The final step is to visualize the data. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful way to visualize the data collected during this analysis. The maps can show the location of primary care physicians, the distribution of asthma cases, and the availability of healthcare resources. They can be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to target interventions effectively.

Would you like to see a visual representation of the asthma care landscape in Daviston and surrounding areas? Visit CartoChrome maps and explore the data.