36265, Jacksonville, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36265, Jacksonville, Alabama is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.68 percent of the residents in 36265 has some form of health insurance. 34.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.05 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 36265 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,475 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36265. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,264 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 36265, Jacksonville, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Jacksonville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36265)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Jacksonville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36265) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the presence of physicians but also the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within this specific geographic area. This assessment will be built on several key factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the current situation.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. While precise figures fluctuate and are often proprietary, publicly available data from sources like the Alabama Department of Public Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. The ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the general population provides a crucial benchmark, as PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma diagnosis and management. A higher ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally translates to improved access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care offered by individual practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves considering factors such as the experience and specialization of physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools like pulmonary function testing, and the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that consistently demonstrate adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, as outlined by organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and that actively involve patients in their care plans are likely to achieve superior outcomes. Reviews and testimonials from patients, when considered alongside objective metrics, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Examining the extent of telemedicine integration within Jacksonville's healthcare system is crucial. Are local practices offering virtual consultations for medication refills, symptom management, and education? Practices embracing telemedicine are likely to score higher on our Asthma Score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and this is especially true for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma. The psychological burden of managing asthma, including anxiety, stress, and even depression, can significantly impact treatment adherence and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare ecosystem is a critical component of a comprehensive asthma care assessment. Does the community have readily available mental health professionals? Are local practices integrating mental health screenings and referrals into their asthma management protocols? Practices that recognize and address the mental health needs of their patients are better positioned to provide holistic care.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, adds another layer of complexity to the analysis. While PCPs are often the first line of defense, access to specialists is essential for managing severe or complex cases. The proximity of these specialists, and the ease with which patients can be referred to them, significantly impacts the overall Asthma Score. This includes evaluating the referral pathways and the waiting times for appointments with specialists.

The Asthma Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. It is influenced by several factors, including the number of doctors, the quality of care, and the integration of telemedicine. The presence of mental health resources is also important.

The assessment should also consider the local demographics, including the prevalence of asthma within the population and any disparities in access to care. Jacksonville, like many communities, may have specific populations that are disproportionately affected by asthma, such as children or individuals from certain socioeconomic backgrounds. Addressing these disparities requires a targeted approach, focusing on outreach, education, and culturally sensitive care.

The Asthma Score for Jacksonville (ZIP Code 36265) would be determined by weighing the factors discussed above. A higher score would reflect a healthcare system that provides accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive asthma care. This would include a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices with experienced physicians, widespread telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and easy access to specialized care.

Conversely, a lower score would indicate areas for improvement, such as a shortage of physicians, limited telemedicine options, a lack of mental health integration, or barriers to accessing specialized care. Identifying these areas for improvement is critical for developing targeted interventions aimed at enhancing asthma care within the community.

This comprehensive analysis, while offering a valuable snapshot, is inherently limited by the availability of data. Access to proprietary information, such as detailed practice-level performance metrics, is often restricted. However, by leveraging publicly available resources and focusing on key indicators, a reasonably accurate assessment of the asthma care landscape can be achieved.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Jacksonville, Alabama, and visualize the distribution of resources and access to care, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant factors.