06073, South Glastonbury, Connecticut Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 06073, South Glastonbury, Connecticut is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.71 percent of the residents in 06073 has some form of health insurance. 21.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.58 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 06073 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,489 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06073. An estimate of 21 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,012 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,817 health care providers accessible to residents in 06073, South Glastonbury, Connecticut.

## Asthma Score Analysis: South Glastonbury, CT (ZIP Code 06073)

Analyzing asthma care within South Glastonbury, CT (ZIP Code 06073) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the availability of supporting mental health resources. This analysis provides an “Asthma Score” assessment, evaluating the landscape of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. The score is not a single number but a qualitative assessment across several key domains.

**Primary Care Availability in South Glastonbury: A Foundation for Asthma Management**

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In South Glastonbury, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the general density of PCPs is vital. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially strain resources, impacting appointment availability and the time physicians can dedicate to each patient. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data from sources like the Connecticut Department of Public Health and local hospital systems will be essential to determine the current PCP-to-patient ratio within 06073.

The location of primary care practices also plays a crucial role. Are practices centrally located, easily accessible by public transportation, or do they require significant travel time for patients residing in various parts of South Glastonbury? Proximity impacts the ability to schedule regular check-ups, follow-up appointments, and rapid response to acute asthma exacerbations.

**Assessing Physician Practices: Quality and Specialization**

Beyond availability, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. This involves evaluating several factors. Does the practice actively participate in asthma-specific quality improvement programs? These programs often involve standardized protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and patient education, leading to better outcomes. Are physicians well-versed in the latest asthma guidelines from organizations like the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)?

Furthermore, the presence of specialized asthma expertise within a practice is beneficial. Does the practice have a dedicated asthma educator, such as a registered respiratory therapist or a certified asthma educator? These professionals can provide crucial patient education on medication use, environmental control, and symptom management. Access to pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is also important. While PCPs manage the majority of asthma cases, timely referrals to pulmonologists are critical for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma.

**Technological Integration: Telemedicine and Beyond**

The adoption of technology significantly impacts asthma care. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments? Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients' symptoms and medication adherence.

Beyond telemedicine, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential. EHRs allow for efficient sharing of patient information between physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, ensuring coordinated care. Does the practice utilize EHRs effectively to track patient data, such as asthma control test scores, medication usage, and exacerbation frequency?

**Mental Health Resources: An Often-Overlooked Component**

Asthma is not just a physical illness; it can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma. Access to mental health resources is therefore crucial for comprehensive asthma management. Does the primary care practice screen patients for anxiety and depression? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists? Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers can improve overall patient well-being and asthma control.

**Standout Practices: Identifying Excellence**

Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that excel in multiple areas. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement, patient education, technological integration, and mental health support are likely to provide superior asthma care. These practices often have a dedicated team approach, involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals. They actively seek patient feedback and use it to improve their services. They may also participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about asthma and promote early diagnosis and treatment.

**Asthma Score Considerations**

The "Asthma Score" for South Glastonbury is not a single number but a composite evaluation. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the integration of technology, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with ample access to quality care, technological advancements, and mental health support. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in one or more of these areas, necessitating improvements to ensure optimal asthma management for residents of 06073.

**Conclusion: Visualizing the Landscape**

Understanding the nuances of asthma care in South Glastonbury requires a comprehensive approach. Visualizing this data, mapping physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of resources, can provide valuable insights. To gain a clearer picture of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement, explore the potential of CartoChrome maps.