36401, Evergreen, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36401, Evergreen, Alabama is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.38 percent of the residents in 36401 has some form of health insurance. 47.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.33 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 36401 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,838 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36401. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,537 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 87 health care providers accessible to residents in 36401, Evergreen, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Evergreen, Alabama (ZIP Code 36401)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Evergreen, Alabama (ZIP Code 36401) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of primary care services, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, and the adoption of modern healthcare technologies. This is done to create an “Asthma Score” which will give a general idea of the healthcare environment.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. Evergreen, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a potential shortage of primary care physicians. A high physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a relatively small number of doctors serving a large population, can strain resources and limit appointment availability. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes for asthma sufferers.

To assess the primary care landscape, we need to consider the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 36401 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as patients may travel for care. Data from sources like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would be crucial. Furthermore, information from local hospitals and clinics, such as the Evergreen Medical Center, should be reviewed to determine the presence of PCPs and their specialties.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the types of practices they operate within is important. Are there large, multi-specialty clinics with integrated services, or are the practices smaller, solo operations? Large clinics often offer a wider range of resources, including on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and potentially, respiratory therapists who can provide specialized asthma education and support. The presence of these resources would positively impact the “Asthma Score.”

Identifying “standout practices” involves more than just counting doctors. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management, for example, those employing certified asthma educators, would be highly regarded. These educators can provide crucial patient education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and implementing evidence-based asthma guidelines, would also be considered leaders in asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in rural areas to access specialist consultations and follow-up appointments without traveling long distances. The availability of telehealth services for asthma management, including virtual check-ups and remote monitoring of lung function, can significantly improve patient access to care. The “Asthma Score” would be boosted by practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering remote monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adherence.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to local mental health professionals, is vital. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and offer access to counseling or therapy would demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care, leading to a higher “Asthma Score.”

The “Asthma Score” would also consider the presence of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, patients with more severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable travel distance is crucial. If the closest specialist is located far away, it would negatively affect the “Asthma Score.”

To compile the “Asthma Score,” all these factors need to be weighed. A high score would reflect: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of well-equipped primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and access to specialized asthma care. A low score would indicate the opposite, highlighting potential gaps in care and areas where improvements are needed.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the “Asthma Score” would also consider patient demographics. The prevalence of asthma varies across different age groups, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Understanding the specific demographics of the 36401 ZIP code is crucial to tailor healthcare services to the needs of the community.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape in Evergreen, Alabama. This “Asthma Score” can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to develop strategies to improve asthma care. This could include initiatives to recruit more primary care physicians, expand telemedicine services, or increase access to mental health resources.

By carefully evaluating the various factors discussed, it is possible to paint a detailed picture of the asthma care environment in Evergreen. The “Asthma Score” would serve as a valuable tool for understanding the challenges and opportunities in this area, and for guiding efforts to improve the health and well-being of asthma sufferers in the community.

To gain a visual and data-driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Evergreen and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform can provide a geographical representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, helping you to visualize the availability of care and identify potential areas for improvement.