36535, Foley, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36535, Foley, Alabama is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.64 percent of the residents in 36535 has some form of health insurance. 38.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.50 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 36535 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,303 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36535. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,910 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,710 health care providers accessible to residents in 36535, Foley, Alabama.

Asthma management, a critical aspect of public health, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within the ZIP Code 36535, encompassing Foley, Alabama, focusing on primary care availability and physician practices. We will assess the availability of resources, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, to provide a comprehensive asthma score analysis.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Foley, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial determinant of asthma management success. A favorable physician-to-patient ratio indicates a higher likelihood of timely appointments, preventative care, and consistent monitoring, all vital for controlling asthma symptoms. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased emergency room visits. The precise physician-to-patient ratio in Foley (ZIP Code 36535) needs to be determined through specific data analysis. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Alabama Department of Public Health would be essential to quantify this ratio. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the asthma score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are vital. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer extended hours, and facilitate easy appointment scheduling contribute positively to the asthma score. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive asthma management, such as regular spirometry testing and personalized asthma action plans, deserve recognition. Conversely, practices with long wait times, limited appointment availability, or a lack of asthma-specific expertise would detract from the score. Identifying standout practices requires examining patient reviews, analyzing practice websites, and possibly conducting interviews with healthcare providers and patients.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Foley. Telemedicine enables remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, thereby improving access to care and reducing the burden on both patients and healthcare providers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, should receive a higher asthma score. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Foley requires investigation. Are local practices utilizing telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments, medication refills, or asthma education sessions? The availability of telehealth options directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of asthma care.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the asthma score. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Assessing the availability of these resources requires examining practice websites, contacting healthcare providers, and possibly surveying patients. The presence of integrated mental health support significantly improves the asthma score.

Further, the availability of specialized asthma care is essential. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is crucial for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The presence of these specialists in or near Foley positively impacts the asthma score. The proximity of specialists reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care, which is particularly important for those experiencing acute asthma exacerbations.

Another factor that contributes to the asthma score is the availability of asthma education programs. These programs empower patients to manage their condition effectively, understand their medications, and recognize early warning signs of an asthma attack. Practices that offer asthma education classes or provide educational materials receive a higher score. The commitment to patient education improves asthma control and reduces the likelihood of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Community resources also play a role. The presence of local pharmacies that offer asthma medication counseling, support groups, and community health initiatives can improve the asthma score. Collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community organizations creates a comprehensive network of support for asthma patients. The availability of these resources fosters a supportive environment that facilitates effective asthma management.

Finally, insurance coverage and affordability are critical. The asthma score should consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices and the availability of financial assistance programs for asthma medications and treatments. Affordable access to care ensures that all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances, can receive the necessary asthma care. The absence of these considerations would significantly impact the asthma score.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma score for doctors in ZIP Code 36535 and primary care availability in Foley requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist availability, asthma education programs, community resources, and insurance coverage. By carefully analyzing these factors, we can gain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in the area. This detailed analysis, when completed, can be visualized with CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for easy identification of areas with high and low asthma scores.