36471, Peterman, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36471, Peterman, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.00 percent of the residents in 36471 has some form of health insurance. 55.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.46 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 36471 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36471. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 127 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 148 health care providers accessible to residents in 36471, Peterman, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36471 and Primary Care in Peterman

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care resources within ZIP code 36471, focusing specifically on their capacity to manage asthma patients. The geographic scope encompasses the town of Peterman, Alabama, and surrounding areas. The objective is to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support for asthma sufferers. This evaluation will ultimately inform residents seeking optimal care.

The foundation of any asthma management strategy lies in accessible primary care. In Peterman, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment frequency, and potentially, inadequate disease management. Data from the US Census Bureau, combined with information from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, is essential to calculate this ratio. A high ratio, conversely, suggests a greater likelihood of timely access to care. The Asthma Score will reflect the local physician density and its implications for patient access.

Evaluating standout practices within 36471 is crucial. This involves identifying clinics and individual physicians who demonstrate a commitment to asthma care. This assessment requires reviewing patient reviews, examining the practice's adherence to national asthma guidelines (e.g., those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), and determining the availability of specialized equipment like spirometry for lung function testing. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs for patients and families will receive higher scores. The Asthma Score will reflect the overall quality of care provided by the available practices.

Telemedicine adoption significantly impacts asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Peterman. Telemedicine offers opportunities for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care for patients who may face geographical barriers or transportation challenges. This technology allows for regular monitoring of asthma symptoms, providing proactive intervention and preventing exacerbations. The Asthma Score will consider the extent of telemedicine integration within the practices in the area.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms, and vice versa. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in asthma management. This analysis will investigate whether primary care practices in 36471 offer or refer patients to mental health services. This includes assessing the availability of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health professionals, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care. The Asthma Score will reflect the integration of mental health support.

The Asthma Score will also incorporate the availability of after-hours care and emergency services. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and prompt access to medical attention is vital. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or have affiliations with urgent care facilities will be favorably assessed. Furthermore, the proximity and accessibility of emergency rooms equipped to handle asthma exacerbations are crucial. The Asthma Score will reflect the overall availability of urgent and emergency care.

Data collection for this analysis will involve several steps. First, publically available data from the US Census Bureau, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be used to gather information on population demographics, physician licensing, and practice locations. Second, online reviews, practice websites, and phone calls to clinics will be used to collect information on services offered, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. Third, local healthcare providers will be contacted to gather more in-depth information.

The Asthma Score will be presented as a composite rating, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a specific weight based on its perceived importance in asthma management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of mental health resources might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in ZIP code 36471 and Peterman.

The limitations of this analysis include the reliance on publicly available data, which may not always be up-to-date or complete. Furthermore, patient reviews can be subjective and may not always reflect the overall quality of care. The Asthma Score will be a snapshot of the current situation and should be considered a starting point for further investigation. Regular updates are necessary to maintain the accuracy of the assessment.

The findings of this analysis will provide valuable insights for residents of Peterman and the surrounding areas. It will help them make informed decisions about their healthcare and identify practices that are best suited to manage their asthma. This information will also be useful for healthcare providers, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the quality of asthma care.

The Asthma Score, once compiled, will be a dynamic tool. It will require ongoing monitoring and adjustments to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The goal is to create a system that promotes continuous improvement in asthma care and ensures that all residents of 36471 have access to the resources they need to live healthy lives.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 36471, including the location of practices, physician density, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a user-friendly interface for visualizing healthcare data and can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a clearer understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.