Health Scores Near 01536, North Grafton, Massachusetts
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The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 01536, North Grafton, Massachusetts is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.63 percent of the residents in 01536 has some form of health insurance. 33.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.61 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 01536 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,782 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01536. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,186 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,017 health care providers accessible to residents in 01536, North Grafton, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 01536, North Grafton, Massachusetts
| Asthma Score | 81 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 65 |
| Provider Score | 88 |
| Hospital Score | 29 |
| Travel Score | 58 |
| 01536 | North Grafton | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Asthma Score Analysis: North Grafton, MA (ZIP Code 01536)
Analyzing the healthcare landscape of North Grafton, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01536) requires a multifaceted approach, especially when focusing on asthma management. An "Asthma Score" analysis, though not a standardized metric, offers a framework to evaluate the accessibility, quality, and resources available to individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis considers factors crucial for effective asthma care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and the integration of mental health support.
**Physician Availability and Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of any asthma management strategy rests on access to qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 01536 is the first step. Data from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with population estimates from the US Census Bureau, provides a starting point. However, simply calculating a ratio is insufficient. We must consider the *types* of physicians available. Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients? Are there specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, readily accessible within the community or requiring significant travel? The presence of pediatricians is also critical, given the prevalence of asthma in children. A high physician-to-patient ratio is beneficial, but the *distribution* of those physicians across specialties and their willingness to accept new patients is equally, if not more, important. This distribution impacts wait times for appointments, which can be critical during asthma exacerbations.
**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:**
Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of individual practices significantly influence the quality of asthma care. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and have certified asthma educators on staff would score favorably. These practices demonstrate a commitment to patient empowerment and proactive disease management. The availability of spirometry testing, a key diagnostic tool for asthma, within the practice is also essential. Further, practices that integrate electronic health records (EHRs) and utilize them effectively for tracking patient data, medication adherence, and asthma control would be considered superior. Identifying "standout practices" involves examining these factors and comparing them to regional and national benchmarks.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**
The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, especially in a geographically defined area like North Grafton. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the burden of travel for patients. Practices that offer telehealth services, particularly for routine check-ups and medication adjustments, would score higher. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine. Assessing the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telehealth data into the EHR system are key considerations.
**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**
Asthma is often associated with anxiety and depression, which can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce quality of life. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is therefore crucial. Practices that screen patients for mental health concerns, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would score higher. Collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists, and mental health providers is essential for holistic patient care. Evaluating the accessibility of mental health services within the community, including the availability of therapists and psychiatrists, is also a vital part of the analysis.
**Specific Considerations for North Grafton:**
Within North Grafton, specific factors must be considered. The proximity to larger medical centers, such as those in Worcester, influences the availability of specialized care. The presence of local pharmacies and their ability to provide asthma medications and devices is also important. Furthermore, the demographics of the community, including the prevalence of asthma in different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, should be considered. Understanding the local environmental factors, such as air quality and common allergens, provides valuable context for asthma management.
**Developing the Asthma Score:**
Creating a numerical "Asthma Score" involves assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above. Physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration would each contribute a percentage to the overall score. Data from various sources, including physician directories, practice websites, patient surveys, and public health reports, would be used to gather the necessary information. The score would then be used to rank the available resources and identify areas for improvement.
**Conclusion:**
A comprehensive Asthma Score analysis for North Grafton, MA (ZIP Code 01536) requires a detailed examination of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis is more than just a ranking; it is a tool to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in providing effective asthma care. It highlights the need for accessible, patient-centered care that addresses the physical and emotional needs of individuals living with asthma.
**Call to Action:**
Want to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in North Grafton and beyond? Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. Discover how you can map physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.
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