36373, Shorterville, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36373, Shorterville, Alabama is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.59 percent of the residents in 36373 has some form of health insurance. 59.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.11 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 36373 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 74 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36373. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 147 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11 health care providers accessible to residents in 36373, Shorterville, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36373 and Primary Care in Shorterville

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 36373 and the availability of primary care in Shorterville necessitates a multi-faceted approach. An “Asthma Score,” while not a formal metric, can be constructed by assessing factors directly impacting asthma management. These include physician accessibility, practice quality, technological integration, and the availability of supportive mental health resources, all vital components for effective asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 36373, which encompasses the town of Ozark, Alabama, is a critical starting point. While precise numbers fluctuate, the area, like many rural regions, likely faces a shortage of primary care physicians and specialists, including pulmonologists who specialize in asthma. This shortage can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent follow-up appointments, and increased reliance on emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations. Addressing this requires proactive measures, such as incentivizing medical professionals to practice in the area and expanding telehealth services to bridge geographical gaps.

Evaluating practice quality involves examining several key areas. The presence of board-certified physicians, particularly pulmonologists, is a strong indicator of expertise. Practices should demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management guidelines, including regular pulmonary function tests (PFTs), individualized asthma action plans, and patient education on medication adherence and environmental control measures. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is also crucial, enabling seamless communication between healthcare providers, improved medication management, and the ability to track patient progress over time.

Identifying standout practices within 36373 requires a deeper dive. Researching patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and examining the availability of specialized asthma care, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, are all essential. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing quality improvement are likely to achieve better asthma control outcomes. A practice that actively engages in community outreach programs, educating residents about asthma triggers and preventative measures, would also score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care access in a rural setting. Telehealth consultations can facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in remote areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, including secure video conferencing platforms and remote monitoring devices, are better positioned to provide timely and accessible care.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health is crucial in asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. The availability of mental health resources, such as counseling services and support groups, is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health screenings into their asthma care protocols and offer referrals to mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health providers is key to providing comprehensive care.

Primary care availability in Shorterville, located in Barbour County, requires a separate assessment. Shorterville's smaller population and rural setting likely pose even greater challenges in accessing primary care services. The number of primary care physicians serving the area, the proximity of the nearest healthcare facilities, and the availability of transportation options are all critical factors. Addressing primary care shortages in Shorterville may require innovative solutions, such as mobile clinics, partnerships with larger healthcare systems, and the expansion of telehealth services.

The “Asthma Score” for the region is therefore a complex calculation. It’s not a single number, but rather a composite of the factors discussed. ZIP Code 36373, encompassing Ozark, likely has a moderate score due to the challenges of rural healthcare, while Shorterville's score may be lower due to its more limited access to primary care. Improvements in physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are essential to elevate the overall asthma care landscape.

Data-driven insights are paramount for effective healthcare planning and resource allocation. Understanding the distribution of healthcare providers, the prevalence of asthma, and the utilization of healthcare services is crucial for identifying areas of need and implementing targeted interventions. Mapping these data points provides a powerful visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more informed and strategic approach to improving asthma care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 36373 and the primary care situation in Shorterville, and to visualize the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare data, identifying areas of need, and making informed decisions about resource allocation. Accessing this information will help you to better understand the challenges and opportunities within this region.