31410, Savannah, Georgia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 31410, Savannah, Georgia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 31410 has some form of health insurance. 22.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.10 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 31410 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,943 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31410. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,552 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,086 health care providers accessible to residents in 31410, Savannah, Georgia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Savannah, GA (ZIP Code 31410)

This analysis provides an asthma score assessment for primary care physicians within the 31410 ZIP code in Savannah, Georgia, focusing on factors relevant to asthma management and patient care. The objective is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care available, highlighting strengths and areas for potential improvement. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma management.

The 31410 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Savannah, including residential areas and potentially underserved populations. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, necessitates consistent medical attention, making the availability and quality of primary care providers paramount. The Asthma Score, in this context, reflects the likelihood a patient with asthma will receive optimal care within the defined geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A high ratio, reflecting a limited number of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can be used to estimate these ratios. While precise numbers fluctuate, understanding the general trend is critical. A higher physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Practice characteristics play a significant role in asthma management. Practices that prioritize asthma care often have dedicated asthma educators, respiratory therapists, and readily available peak flow meters and spirometry equipment. These resources allow for comprehensive patient education, proactive monitoring of lung function, and timely interventions. The presence of these specialized services would positively influence the Asthma Score. Furthermore, practices that adhere to established asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care.

Standout practices within the 31410 area could be identified through a combination of factors. Patient reviews, online ratings, and referrals from specialists can provide insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs or provide educational materials on asthma management would also score favorably. These practices serve as models for best practices in the region.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of symptoms, especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to healthcare. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, would receive a higher Asthma Score. The integration of remote monitoring devices, such as connected peak flow meters, further enhances the potential for proactive asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Practices that offer or have strong referral networks for mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, would contribute to a higher Asthma Score. Recognizing the holistic needs of patients and addressing both physical and mental health concerns is crucial for optimal asthma management.

Evaluating the Asthma Score requires a multi-faceted approach. Data from various sources, including public health agencies, insurance providers, and patient feedback, should be collected and analyzed. The score itself could be calculated using a weighted scoring system, assigning points to each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources) based on its relative importance. The final score would then reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the 31410 ZIP code.

For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a dedicated asthma educator, robust telemedicine capabilities, and strong mental health referrals would receive a high Asthma Score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited resources, and no telemedicine or mental health services would receive a lower score.

The analysis should also consider the socio-economic factors of the 31410 area. Asthma disproportionately affects certain populations, including those with lower incomes and limited access to healthcare. Therefore, the Asthma Score should be adjusted to reflect the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.

The assessment of primary care availability in Savannah as a whole, specifically within the context of asthma care, requires a broader perspective. It necessitates evaluating the distribution of resources, the availability of specialists, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. This broader view allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving asthma care in the region.

This analysis is a starting point for understanding the asthma care landscape in the 31410 ZIP code. Further research, including direct engagement with patients and healthcare providers, is essential for a more comprehensive and nuanced assessment. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial for identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that patients with asthma receive the best possible care.

The findings of this analysis can be visualized and explored through interactive maps. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the factors influencing asthma care in Savannah, explore the data with CartoChrome maps.