06106, Hartford, Connecticut Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 06106, Hartford, Connecticut is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.70 percent of the residents in 06106 has some form of health insurance. 50.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.87 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 06106 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,621 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06106. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,575 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,080 health care providers accessible to residents in 06106, Hartford, Connecticut.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hartford, CT (ZIP Code 06106) & Primary Care

This analysis examines the landscape of asthma care within Hartford, Connecticut, specifically focusing on ZIP code 06106, and the broader context of primary care availability. We will evaluate the quality of care, access to resources, and identify potential areas for improvement. This assessment considers factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician accessibility, technological integration, and the integration of mental health support.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Hartford, and specifically within the 06106 ZIP code, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Data from various sources, including the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the American Medical Association, reveal a concerning trend. The ratio of PCPs to residents, especially those with chronic conditions like asthma, is often strained. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. The impact is particularly felt by vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by asthma.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care plays a significant role. Several practices within Hartford have emerged as leaders in asthma management. These practices often distinguish themselves through their commitment to evidence-based guidelines, patient education, and proactive care coordination. They may utilize standardized asthma action plans, regularly assess patients' control levels, and provide comprehensive education on trigger avoidance and medication adherence. These standout practices frequently employ certified asthma educators, further enhancing the quality of care. Identifying and highlighting these practices, and understanding their operational models, is crucial for disseminating best practices across the city.

Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, and its adoption is particularly relevant in asthma management. Telehealth offers a valuable tool for remote monitoring, medication adjustments, and follow-up appointments, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in 06106 is a key indicator of accessibility. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms can offer more frequent check-ins, allowing for early intervention and improved asthma control. Evaluating the types of telehealth services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the integration with electronic health records are all critical factors in assessing the impact of telemedicine.

Asthma is not solely a physical ailment; it often co-exists with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and complicate treatment adherence. The integration of mental health resources within primary care settings is therefore crucial. This includes access to on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and the implementation of screening tools to identify patients who may benefit from mental health support. Assessing the availability of these resources, the level of integration within primary care, and the awareness of mental health needs among providers are all critical components of a comprehensive asthma care assessment.

The availability of specialist care, specifically pulmonologists and allergists, is another vital consideration. While PCPs manage the majority of asthma cases, complex or uncontrolled asthma often requires specialist consultation. The proximity of specialists, their availability for appointments, and the efficiency of referral processes are all important factors in ensuring timely access to specialized care. Analyzing the referral patterns of PCPs within 06106 and the average wait times for specialist appointments provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the referral network.

Furthermore, the socio-economic factors within 06106 significantly impact asthma outcomes. Poverty, housing conditions, and environmental factors such as air quality all contribute to asthma prevalence and severity. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for improving asthma control. This requires collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies. Assessing the extent of these collaborations, the implementation of community-based interventions, and the awareness of social determinants of health among providers are all critical components of a comprehensive asthma care assessment.

Another critical aspect of asthma management is patient education. Empowering patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition is essential for achieving optimal asthma control. This includes providing education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and recognizing and responding to asthma exacerbations. Evaluating the quality and accessibility of patient education materials, the frequency of patient education sessions, and the use of patient-centered communication strategies are all important factors in assessing the effectiveness of patient education efforts.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) plays a crucial role in improving asthma care. EHRs facilitate the tracking of patient data, the identification of trends, and the coordination of care. Analyzing the extent of EHR adoption among primary care providers in 06106, the use of EHRs for asthma-specific data collection, and the integration of EHRs with patient portals are all important factors in assessing the impact of technology on asthma care.

Finally, the role of community resources cannot be overlooked. Organizations such as the American Lung Association and local health departments often provide valuable resources and support for asthma patients. Assessing the awareness of these resources among primary care providers, the frequency of referrals to these organizations, and the effectiveness of these resources in supporting asthma patients are all important factors in assessing the overall asthma care landscape.

This analysis highlights the complexities of asthma care within Hartford's 06106 ZIP code and the broader primary care landscape. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. This information can then be used to inform strategies for improvement, ensuring that all residents of Hartford, especially those with asthma, have access to high-quality, comprehensive care.

For a visual representation of this data, including the location of primary care providers, specialist availability, and community resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the information discussed in this analysis, allowing for a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in Hartford.