36521, Chunchula, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36521, Chunchula, Alabama is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.82 percent of the residents in 36521 has some form of health insurance. 31.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.09 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 36521 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,168 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36521. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 925 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,236 health care providers accessible to residents in 36521, Chunchula, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36521 & Primary Care Availability in Chunchula

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 36521, encompassing the town of Daphne, Alabama, and specifically examines primary care resources within the broader community of Chunchula. The goal is to create an "Asthma Score" by assessing factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician accessibility, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support. The analysis uses publicly available data and general healthcare trends to paint a picture of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any asthma score lies in the accessibility of qualified medical professionals. In ZIP Code 36521, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a critical data point. A low ratio, indicating a higher concentration of doctors per capita, generally translates to better access to care, shorter wait times for appointments, and potentially more personalized attention. However, the specific ratio for this ZIP code requires investigation through resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. This data point is then weighed against the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, who are directly involved in asthma diagnosis and treatment. Their presence, or lack thereof, significantly impacts the asthma score.

Primary care availability in Chunchula, a smaller community within the larger county, presents a different set of challenges. Rural areas often face physician shortages. Therefore, the analysis must consider the distance patients in Chunchula must travel to access primary care. Factors like transportation options, public transit availability, and the presence of community health centers are crucial. The Asthma Score would reflect the degree to which Chunchula residents have ready access to a primary care physician, a critical first point of contact for asthma management.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the medical practices themselves influence the asthma score. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day appointments demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience, which is particularly important for individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations. The presence of dedicated asthma educators, registered nurses trained in asthma management, and respiratory therapists within a practice significantly enhances the quality of care. These healthcare professionals can provide patient education, medication management support, and proactive strategies for preventing asthma attacks.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma education earn a higher score. The analysis should also consider the availability of telehealth services through local hospitals or clinics.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they play a significant role. Asthma can be a chronic condition that impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, offer referrals to mental health professionals, or have mental health providers on staff receive a higher score. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and resources for managing stress and anxiety related to asthma also contributes to a higher score.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 36521 is crucial for the asthma score. This requires analyzing patient reviews, physician ratings, and practice accreditations. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, and have a strong track record of asthma management success would be highlighted. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the practice's involvement in community outreach programs, asthma awareness campaigns, and collaborations with local schools or organizations.

The specific asthma score for ZIP Code 36521 and the primary care availability in Chunchula requires a comprehensive data collection process. This involves gathering information from various sources, including:

* **Public Health Databases:** Data on physician-to-patient ratios, healthcare facility locations, and public health programs.
* **Insurance Provider Websites:** Information on in-network physicians, covered services, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Hospital and Clinic Websites:** Details on services offered, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health resources.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings Websites:** Feedback on physician quality, practice accessibility, and patient experiences.
* **Local Government Websites:** Information on community health initiatives, transportation options, and social services.

The analysis will also consider the demographics of the population within ZIP Code 36521 and Chunchula. Factors like age, race, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of asthma in the community are essential for tailoring the asthma score to the specific needs of the population.

The final asthma score would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed. The weighting would reflect the relative importance of each factor in asthma management. The score would be presented in a clear and concise format, along with recommendations for improvement. For example, if the score is low due to a lack of telemedicine adoption, recommendations would include encouraging practices to implement telehealth services. If the score is low due to a shortage of mental health resources, recommendations would include promoting collaborations with mental health providers.

The goal is not just to assign a score but to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve asthma care within the community. This analysis serves as a starting point for a more detailed investigation, which could involve site visits, patient interviews, and collaborations with local healthcare providers. The resulting information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations to make informed decisions about asthma management.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 36521 and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, transportation routes, and demographic data, explore the power of geospatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps today to unlock a detailed and interactive view of the healthcare resources available to you and your community.**