36613, Eight Mile, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36613, Eight Mile, Alabama is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.09 percent of the residents in 36613 has some form of health insurance. 42.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.26 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 36613 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,604 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 69 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36613. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,033 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,816 health care providers accessible to residents in 36613, Eight Mile, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36613 and Primary Care in Eight Mile

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 36613 and the broader context of primary care access in Eight Mile requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, assesses telemedicine adoption, and evaluates the availability of mental health resources, all of which contribute to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall ease and quality of care for asthma sufferers.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical initial indicator. ZIP code 36613, encompassing a portion of Mobile, Alabama, likely faces challenges common to urban areas, including potential disparities in access to healthcare. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for specialist consultations, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of hospitalizations.

Primary care availability in Eight Mile, a community within Mobile County, also significantly impacts asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, ongoing monitoring, and medication management. A robust primary care infrastructure, with readily accessible PCPs, is essential for effective asthma control. Eight Mile's primary care landscape should be assessed, considering factors such as the number of PCPs, their practice locations, and their acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, which are vital for many residents.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 36613 and the surrounding area involves evaluating various factors. These include the qualifications of the physicians (board certifications in pulmonology or allergy and immunology are highly desirable), the availability of specialized equipment (e.g., pulmonary function testing), and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide comprehensive asthma action plans, and offer convenient appointment scheduling and follow-up care are likely to receive higher marks. Reviews from patients and the practice's overall performance on quality metrics, if available, also contribute to the assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in modern asthma care. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, facilitating virtual consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data directly to the physician, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management. The integration of telemedicine into a practice's workflow, including the training of staff and the seamless integration of virtual visits into the patient's overall care plan, is a key indicator of its effectiveness.

Mental health resources play a significant, often overlooked, role in asthma management. Asthma can be a source of stress and anxiety, potentially triggering or worsening symptoms. Conversely, the symptoms of asthma can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health support, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external mental health providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This could include offering counseling services, support groups, or educational materials on managing stress and anxiety. The integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care can also help identify patients who may benefit from additional support.

Calculating a precise "Asthma Score" requires a weighted scoring system based on the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might account for 20% of the score, while the availability of specialized equipment accounts for 15%, telemedicine adoption 25%, and mental health resources 20%. Standout practices, based on their overall quality and patient satisfaction, would also contribute to the score. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the specified geographic area.

In the context of Eight Mile, the "Asthma Score" would be heavily influenced by the availability of primary care. A robust primary care infrastructure, with accessible and well-equipped PCPs, would significantly improve the score. The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, within a reasonable distance would also positively impact the score. Conversely, limited access to primary care, long wait times for appointments, and a lack of mental health resources would negatively impact the score, highlighting the challenges faced by asthma sufferers in that community.

The analysis must acknowledge the limitations of publicly available data. Information on physician-to-patient ratios and practice-specific data may be incomplete or outdated. Patient reviews, while valuable, can be subjective and may not always reflect the overall quality of care. Furthermore, the specific needs of individual patients can vary, and the "Asthma Score" represents an average assessment, not a guarantee of individual care quality.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of asthma care within the specified geographic area. It emphasizes the importance of access to care, the quality of care provided, and the integration of mental health resources. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing asthma sufferers in ZIP code 36613 and the surrounding areas.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to mental health services, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.