36619, Mobile, Alabama Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36619, Mobile, Alabama is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.44 percent of the residents in 36619 has some form of health insurance. 37.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.16 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 36619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 69 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36619. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,781 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,144 health care providers accessible to residents in 36619, Mobile, Alabama.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36619 & Primary Care Availability in Mobile

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a nuanced approach, especially when focusing on a chronic condition like asthma. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Mobile, Alabama, with a particular focus on ZIP code 36619, assessing factors that influence asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible and competent primary care. In Mobile, the physician-to-patient ratio, a key indicator, provides a preliminary understanding of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management interventions. Data analysis is needed to determine the specific ratio within ZIP code 36619, comparing it to the average for Mobile County and the state of Alabama. This comparison reveals the relative accessibility of PCPs in the target area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are physicians clustered in certain areas, leaving others underserved? This spatial analysis, examining the geographic location of practices within 36619, is crucial. Do patients need to travel long distances to reach a PCP? This travel time directly impacts adherence to treatment plans and follow-up appointments, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma.

The quality of care provided by PCPs is another critical element. This includes their expertise in asthma management, their adherence to national guidelines, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients. Assessing this involves evaluating the practices' adoption of evidence-based asthma management strategies. This might include regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, patient education on triggers and medication use, and the development of personalized asthma action plans.

Standout practices within 36619, or those serving patients in the area, deserve specific recognition. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care requires a deeper dive. This includes reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, analyzing asthma control rates (the percentage of patients whose asthma is well-controlled), and assessing the practices' commitment to patient education and self-management support. Are there practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on asthma care? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses on staff? Highlighting these exemplary practices provides valuable information for patients seeking quality care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the context of chronic disease management. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who face transportation barriers or have mobility issues. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 36619 is essential. Do they offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication refills? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patients' symptoms and medication adherence? The presence of telehealth capabilities directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely and convenient care.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a critical consideration. Do PCPs in 36619 have access to on-site mental health professionals? Do they routinely screen patients for mental health conditions? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? The integration of mental health services into primary care significantly improves the overall well-being of asthma patients.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, needs to be assessed. While PCPs provide the foundation of asthma care, patients with more severe or complex asthma often require the expertise of specialists. The proximity of specialists to 36619 and the ease with which patients can access their services are important factors. Are there long wait times for specialist appointments? Are there any barriers to accessing specialized care, such as insurance limitations or transportation challenges?

The socioeconomic characteristics of the population in 36619 also influence asthma management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing conditions can all contribute to poor asthma control. Assessing the social determinants of health within the ZIP code is crucial. Are there community resources available to address these challenges, such as food banks, housing assistance programs, and asthma education programs? Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations is essential to improve asthma outcomes in this area.

Data collection for this analysis would involve multiple sources. Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Alabama Department of Public Health, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can provide information on physician-to-patient ratios, quality metrics, and the adoption of evidence-based practices. Patient satisfaction surveys, practice websites, and direct communication with healthcare providers can supplement this information.

Synthesizing this information into an "Asthma Score" for 36619 would involve assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care metrics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources could each be assigned a weight based on their relative importance. The practices' scores would then be aggregated to provide an overall score for the ZIP code. This score provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in the area.

In conclusion, understanding the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in 36619 and Mobile requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the availability, quality, and accessibility of primary care services, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socioeconomic determinants. A comprehensive assessment, coupled with actionable insights, is essential to improving asthma outcomes.

Do you want to visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mobile, Alabama? Explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Use our interactive mapping tools to pinpoint healthcare resources, analyze physician distribution, and identify areas with the greatest need.