20017, Washington, District of Columbia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 20017, Washington, District of Columbia is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 20017 has some form of health insurance. 36.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.69 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 20017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,221 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 138 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 20017. An estimate of 29 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,193 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22,296 health care providers accessible to residents in 20017, Washington, District of Columbia.

Asthma management, a critical aspect of public health, demands a nuanced understanding of resource allocation and physician capabilities. This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape for doctors within the 20017 ZIP code, focusing on primary care access in Washington, D.C., to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, highlights exemplary practices, explores telemedicine integration, and assesses the availability of mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational element in evaluating healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment frequency, and potentially, compromised asthma control. Analyzing data for the 20017 ZIP code, we must ascertain the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing. Data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the D.C. Department of Health will be essential. This information, coupled with the estimated population within the 20017 area, allows for the calculation of a ratio. A favorable ratio suggests better access to care, while a less favorable ratio warrants further investigation into alternative care options, such as urgent care clinics or telehealth.

Primary care availability throughout Washington, D.C., is also a crucial factor. While the 20017 ZIP code is the immediate focus, the broader availability impacts patient mobility and choice. Examining the distribution of PCPs across the city, including their geographic concentration, is paramount. Areas with limited primary care access might necessitate travel for patients, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms due to increased exposure to environmental triggers or the stress of travel itself. We must also consider the acceptance of new patients by these practices. A practice that is not accepting new patients will not be available to serve the needs of the community.

Identifying standout practices within the 20017 ZIP code and Washington, D.C., is crucial. These practices often exemplify best practices in asthma management. Criteria for this assessment include: adherence to national asthma guidelines (e.g., those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), utilization of patient education materials, implementation of asthma action plans, and provision of comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of the condition. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including proactive communication and readily available resources, are prime candidates for recognition. Reviews from patient portals, such as Healthgrades and Zocdoc, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in asthma care. Telehealth, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can enhance access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in underserved areas. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of physicians within the 20017 ZIP code and across Washington, D.C., involves assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters), and the use of patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially offer more frequent check-ins and proactive management, contributing to improved asthma control.

The intersection of asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical area of focus. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within the 20017 ZIP code and Washington, D.C., is therefore essential. This includes examining the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists) and the integration of mental health services into asthma care. Practices that offer on-site mental health support or have established referral pathways to mental health providers demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Collaboration between pulmonologists, PCPs, and mental health professionals is vital for optimal patient outcomes.

The "Asthma Score" for doctors in the 20017 ZIP code and the primary care availability in Washington, D.C., is not a static number but a dynamic evaluation. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of mental health services. This ongoing assessment is essential for informing policy decisions, guiding patient choice, and ultimately, improving asthma management within the community. The final "Asthma Score" will be a composite score, weighting the factors discussed above to provide a comprehensive overview of the care landscape.

This analysis underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to asthma care. It highlights the need for accessible primary care, the utilization of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the identification of exemplary practices. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the asthma care landscape in the 20017 ZIP code and Washington, D.C. This information empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and informs policymakers in their efforts to improve asthma management.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of asthma care resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations, allowing you to explore physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points in a dynamic and accessible format. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in your area.