36548, Leroy, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36548, Leroy, Alabama is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.94 percent of the residents in 36548 has some form of health insurance. 42.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.56 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 36548 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 397 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36548. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 193 health care providers accessible to residents in 36548, Leroy, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Leroy, Alabama (ZIP Code 36548)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 36548, focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) in Leroy, Alabama. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors critical to effective asthma management. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The analysis aims to offer insights into the accessibility and quality of care for asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area.

Leroy, Alabama, a rural community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The limited population density and geographical constraints can influence the availability of medical professionals and specialized services. This analysis acknowledges these realities and attempts to provide a realistic assessment of the resources available to asthma patients.

The cornerstone of asthma care often begins with primary care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial first step. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Alabama Department of Public Health, if available, would be utilized to determine the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 36548 and the surrounding areas. This data is then compared to the estimated population of the area to calculate a ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could signal potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. The absence of readily available data would necessitate utilizing regional averages and estimates, acknowledging the limitations of such an approach.

Beyond the raw physician count, the specialties and expertise of the PCPs are vital. Are there PCPs with a particular interest in or experience with pulmonary medicine? Are there any board-certified allergists or pulmonologists practicing in the immediate vicinity or within a reasonable driving distance? The presence of specialists, even if not directly located within the ZIP code, can significantly improve the quality of care. Patients with complex asthma cases often benefit from specialist consultation and management. The analysis would also consider the availability of asthma educators or respiratory therapists within the primary care settings or nearby clinics.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can help bridge geographical barriers and provide access to consultations, medication management, and patient education. The analysis would investigate the extent to which PCPs in Leroy offer telemedicine services. Do they conduct virtual appointments for follow-up visits or medication refills? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patients' symptoms and medication adherence? The availability and utilization of telemedicine services are critical factors in improving asthma management and patient outcomes.

Mental health is often overlooked in the context of chronic illnesses like asthma, but it plays a significant role in overall well-being and disease management. Asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress, which in turn can worsen asthma symptoms. This analysis would investigate the availability of mental health resources within the primary care settings or in the Leroy area. Do PCPs screen patients for mental health issues? Are there mental health professionals available for referrals? Are there support groups or educational programs for asthma patients and their families? The integration of mental health services is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care.

The analysis would also consider the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacies and diagnostic facilities. The ease of access to medication and diagnostic testing is crucial for effective asthma management. Are there pharmacies within a reasonable distance of the primary care practices? Are there facilities for pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and other diagnostic procedures? The availability of these services can significantly impact the convenience and efficiency of care.

Standout practices would be identified based on their commitment to providing comprehensive asthma care. This would involve looking for practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management. This could include practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, actively monitor patients' asthma control, and integrate mental health services. The analysis would consider patient reviews and feedback, if available, to assess the patient experience and satisfaction with the care provided.

The "Asthma Score" for Leroy, Alabama, would be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. It would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care available within the ZIP code. The score would be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape. The score would be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, expanding telemedicine services, or integrating mental health resources.

The analysis would acknowledge the limitations of the data and the potential for inaccuracies. Data availability in rural areas can be limited, and the analysis may rely on estimates and regional averages. The analysis would also acknowledge the dynamic nature of the healthcare landscape, with practices and services constantly evolving.

In conclusion, this "Asthma Score" analysis provides a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Leroy, Alabama (ZIP code 36548). It highlights the challenges and opportunities for improving asthma management in this rural community. By understanding the resources available and identifying areas for improvement, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members can work together to ensure that asthma patients receive the best possible care.

For a visual representation of healthcare access and resource distribution in Leroy and surrounding areas, including physician locations, pharmacy locations, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to visualize and analyze geographic data, providing valuable insights into the healthcare landscape.