01347, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 01347, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 01347 has some form of health insurance. 53.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.70 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 01347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 316 health care providers accessible to residents in 01347, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts.

The analysis presented below assesses the asthma care landscape for doctors practicing within ZIP Code 01347, which encompasses the town of Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts, and considers the availability of primary care resources within the same area. Evaluating asthma care involves a multifaceted approach, considering not only the number of physicians but also the quality of care provided, access to specialists, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a fundamental metric for evaluating healthcare access. In a rural area like Lake Pleasant, a low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate limited access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of chronic conditions, and increased emergency room visits. National averages for physician density often fail to reflect the reality of rural healthcare access. Specific data for 01347 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insight into primary care physician density per 1,000 residents. This ratio should be compared to state and national averages to determine if the area is underserved.

Beyond the raw numbers, the specialties of available physicians are vital. Asthma management often requires a collaborative approach, involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists. The presence or absence of these specialists within a reasonable distance significantly impacts the quality of asthma care. If specialized care requires extensive travel, it can create barriers to accessing necessary medical attention. This is particularly relevant for children and the elderly, who may have limited transportation options.

Identifying standout practices within 01347 requires evaluating several factors. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of ancillary services like respiratory therapy. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are likely to provide superior care. Publicly available data, such as physician ratings and reviews, can offer some insight, but it's essential to consider the limitations of these sources.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial aspect of asthma care in a rural setting. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online educational resources are better positioned to provide comprehensive asthma management. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic disease management, but they play a vital role in asthma care. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integration can involve screening for mental health conditions, providing brief interventions, and coordinating care with mental health professionals.

The availability of primary care in Lake Pleasant directly influences the quality of asthma care. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists. Adequate primary care access is therefore essential for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Factors to consider include the number of primary care physicians, their office hours, appointment availability, and acceptance of various insurance plans.

In addition to the above factors, the integration of technology is crucial for modern asthma management. Electronic health records (EHRs) allow physicians to track patient data, monitor treatment effectiveness, and coordinate care more efficiently. Patient portals enable patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and manage their medications. Practices that embrace technology are better positioned to provide efficient and patient-centered care.

The assessment of asthma care in 01347 should also consider the availability of patient education resources. Asthma education is a critical component of effective management, empowering patients to understand their condition, manage their symptoms, and avoid triggers. Practices that provide educational materials, offer asthma education classes, and encourage self-management are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Finally, the accessibility of pharmacies and medication affordability are important considerations. Patients need convenient access to pharmacies to fill their prescriptions and affordable medications to adhere to their treatment plans. The presence of local pharmacies, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the availability of patient assistance programs can all impact medication access and affordability.

In conclusion, evaluating the asthma care landscape in 01347 requires a comprehensive assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and primary care access. Analyzing these factors will provide a more complete picture of the resources available to asthma patients in Lake Pleasant and help identify areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 01347 and gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant factors, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help you analyze healthcare data and make informed decisions about your health.