31544, Jacksonville, Georgia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 31544, Jacksonville, Georgia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.63 percent of the residents in 31544 has some form of health insurance. 48.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.62 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 31544 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 156 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31544. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 169 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30 health care providers accessible to residents in 31544, Jacksonville, Georgia.

The analysis below assesses the state of asthma care within ZIP code 31544 (likely referring to Brunswick, Georgia) and primary care accessibility in Jacksonville, Florida, employing an “Asthma Score” framework. This framework considers factors impacting asthma management, including physician availability, access to specialized care, telemedicine utilization, and integration of mental health services. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in these regions, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

**Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 31544 (Brunswick, GA)**

The Asthma Score for Brunswick, GA (31544) is significantly impacted by the limited number of primary care physicians and specialists, especially pulmonologists and allergists, relative to the population. This scarcity contributes to a lower score. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. The availability of specialists is a primary concern for asthma patients. The ability to secure timely appointments with pulmonologists and allergists is often a struggle. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment plans, and increased reliance on emergency room visits, all of which negatively affect the Asthma Score.

The presence of standout practices offering superior asthma care can elevate the score. These practices typically demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, comprehensive patient education, and proactive asthma management. They may employ certified asthma educators who provide individualized guidance on medication adherence, environmental control, and symptom recognition. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate care coordination and data analysis is another hallmark of high-performing practices. These factors contribute to a higher Asthma Score for patients served by these providers.

Telemedicine adoption in Brunswick, GA, is another important factor. The Asthma Score is impacted by the availability of telemedicine consultations for asthma patients. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility limitations. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance overall asthma management. The degree of telemedicine adoption is assessed when calculating the Asthma Score.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical component of asthma care. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities among asthma patients. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to counseling services or integrate mental health professionals into their care teams receive a higher score. The lack of these resources can lead to poorer asthma control and reduced quality of life.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Primary Care Availability in Jacksonville, FL**

The Asthma Score for Jacksonville, FL, is influenced by primary care physician availability. Jacksonville, being a larger metropolitan area, generally has a better physician-to-patient ratio than Brunswick. However, the distribution of primary care physicians across the city is not uniform. Access to primary care physicians is critical for initial diagnosis, ongoing management, and referral to specialists. The Asthma Score is affected by the geographic distribution of physicians.

Standout primary care practices in Jacksonville, FL, can significantly improve the Asthma Score. These practices often prioritize asthma management by providing comprehensive care. They may offer on-site spirometry testing, asthma action plans, and patient education materials. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to asthma guidelines contribute to a higher score. The presence of these practices is considered when calculating the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption in Jacksonville also affects the Asthma Score. The availability of telemedicine options for primary care appointments can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals contribute to a higher score. The degree of telemedicine adoption is assessed when calculating the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are essential for asthma patients in Jacksonville, FL. The Asthma Score is affected by the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referral networks. Asthma can worsen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to counseling services or integrate mental health professionals into their care teams receive a higher score. The lack of these resources can lead to poorer asthma control and reduced quality of life.

**Conclusion**

The Asthma Score framework, when applied to both Brunswick, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, reveals the complexities of asthma care access and quality. While Jacksonville, with its larger population and greater resources, may generally score higher, specific practices and the integration of telemedicine and mental health services are crucial determinants of the overall score. In Brunswick, GA, the scarcity of specialists and the need for enhanced telemedicine and mental health support are pressing concerns.

For healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients seeking a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape, CartoChrome maps offers powerful visualization tools. These maps can provide detailed information on physician locations, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors that influence asthma outcomes. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive perspective on asthma care in these regions and beyond.