06782, Plymouth, Connecticut Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 06782, Plymouth, Connecticut is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.47 percent of the residents in 06782 has some form of health insurance. 34.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.91 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 06782 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 319 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06782. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 318 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 714 health care providers accessible to residents in 06782, Plymouth, Connecticut.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Plymouth, CT (ZIP Code 06782) & Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Plymouth, Connecticut (ZIP code 06782) requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. The evaluation considers key factors impacting asthma management and patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Plymouth, like many communities, faces the challenge of ensuring adequate PCP coverage. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient access, and potentially compromised continuity of care. While specific, real-time physician-to-patient ratio data requires ongoing monitoring, publicly available resources such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. These estimates, coupled with local community health assessments, offer a baseline understanding of PCP availability.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Are physicians clustered in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Are there specific practices known for specializing in respiratory conditions or demonstrating a strong track record in asthma management? Identifying standout practices, those with a demonstrably patient-centered approach, is paramount. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores (e.g., through platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals), the availability of extended hours to accommodate working families, and the implementation of comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs.

Telemedicine adoption has significantly reshaped healthcare delivery, particularly in the realm of chronic disease management. For asthma patients, telemedicine offers the potential for remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management support. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or residing in geographically isolated areas. The "Asthma Score" will consider the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms for asthma-related services, including virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education.

Asthma is not merely a physical condition; it often coexists with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact overall well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The "Asthma Score" will assess the degree to which local practices address the mental health needs of asthma patients, considering factors like the availability of mental health screening tools, access to counseling services, and the integration of mental health into asthma management plans.

Specific practices within Plymouth, CT, will be evaluated based on these criteria. This involves researching publicly available information, including practice websites, patient reviews, and insurance provider directories. The analysis will consider the following: the number of PCPs affiliated with each practice, the practice's adoption of telemedicine technologies, the availability of extended hours, and the practice's approach to mental health integration. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient-centered care, technological innovation, and mental health support will receive higher scores.

The “Asthma Score” will also consider the presence of specialized respiratory care providers, such as pulmonologists, within a reasonable distance. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialist care is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Proximity to pulmonology practices and the ease of referral processes from primary care physicians will be factored into the overall score.

The assessment of primary care availability in Plymouth will consider the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics. These facilities often serve vulnerable populations and can play a vital role in providing accessible and affordable asthma care. The "Asthma Score" will evaluate the services offered by these clinics, including their capacity to manage asthma, their integration of telemedicine, and their approach to addressing the social determinants of health that can impact asthma outcomes.

The analysis will also consider the availability of patient education resources within the community. Asthma education is crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. This includes access to information on triggers, medication adherence, proper inhaler technique, and emergency management. The "Asthma Score" will assess the availability of patient education materials, workshops, and support groups within the community.

Finally, the “Asthma Score” will be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, technological advancements, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of asthma care in Plymouth, CT, to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

This analysis, while aiming to be comprehensive, relies on publicly available data and may not capture the full nuance of each practice. For a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide detailed visualizations of healthcare resources, allowing you to explore physician locations, practice specializations, and other relevant information.