Health Scores Near 36877, Smiths Station, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 36877, Smiths Station, Alabama is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 87.86 percent of the residents in 36877 has some form of health insurance. 36.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.03 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 36877 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3,732 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36877. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,437 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 812 health care providers accessible to residents in 36877, Smiths Station, Alabama.
Health Scores in 36877, Smiths Station, Alabama
| Asthma Score | 52 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 47 |
| Provider Score | 39 |
| Hospital Score | 43 |
| Travel Score | 66 |
| 36877 | Smiths Station | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The following analysis examines asthma care quality and primary care access within ZIP code 36877, encompassing Smiths Station, Alabama. This evaluation uses an "Asthma Score" framework, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma management.
Smiths Station, a growing community, faces the typical challenges of rural healthcare access. The Asthma Score, therefore, reflects a nuanced understanding of available resources and their effectiveness. The analysis prioritizes actionable insights for residents seeking quality asthma care.
Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental aspect of healthcare access. In 36877, the ratio for primary care physicians, the first point of contact for many asthma patients, is a critical indicator. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also essential. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive asthma management. The Asthma Score will reflect the relative density of healthcare providers and their impact on patient access.
Standout practices in Smiths Station are those demonstrating a commitment to asthma care excellence. This includes practices that have implemented evidence-based asthma guidelines, offer comprehensive asthma education to patients, and actively monitor patient outcomes. The Asthma Score considers factors such as the use of asthma action plans, the availability of spirometry testing, and the practice’s participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices excelling in these areas will receive a higher score, reflecting their dedication to providing superior asthma care.
Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive medication refills, and participate in asthma education programs. The Asthma Score assesses the availability and utilization of telemedicine services among practices in 36877. Practices that offer telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, will be recognized for their innovative approach to patient care. The accessibility of telemedicine can significantly improve asthma control, especially for patients with limited transportation options.
Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The Asthma Score evaluates the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referral networks. Practices that offer integrated mental health support, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, will receive a higher score. This reflects the recognition that asthma is not just a physical condition, but one that can profoundly affect a patient's overall health.
The overall Asthma Score for 36877 will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The score will be presented on a scale, providing a clear and concise assessment of the quality of asthma care and primary care access in Smiths Station. This score will allow residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare options.
The Asthma Score also considers the presence of community resources that support asthma management. This includes the availability of asthma education programs offered by local hospitals or community organizations, the presence of support groups for asthma patients, and the accessibility of pharmacies that offer asthma-related services, such as medication counseling and inhaler technique demonstrations. These resources play a vital role in empowering patients to effectively manage their asthma.
The impact of insurance coverage on asthma care access is also a factor. The Asthma Score acknowledges the importance of insurance coverage in determining a patient's ability to access care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to serving a diverse patient population. The score also considers the availability of financial assistance programs for asthma medications and other related expenses.
The Asthma Score is not a static measure; it is a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape in Smiths Station. The score will be updated periodically to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This ensures that the score remains a relevant and reliable tool for residents seeking quality asthma care.
The analysis also considers the patient experience. This includes factors such as the ease of scheduling appointments, the waiting times in the waiting room, and the overall satisfaction with the care received. The Asthma Score will incorporate patient feedback through surveys and other methods to ensure that the patient perspective is considered. Practices that prioritize patient satisfaction will receive a higher score.
In conclusion, the Asthma Score for 36877 provides a comprehensive evaluation of asthma care quality and primary care access in Smiths Station. The score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community resources, insurance coverage, and patient experience. This multifaceted approach provides a valuable tool for residents seeking to navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about their asthma care.
To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Smiths Station, including a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to analyze trends, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
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