Health Scores Near 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts
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The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 97.29 percent of the residents in 01730 has some form of health insurance. 22.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.59 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 01730 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3,671 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01730. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,187 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,110 health care providers accessible to residents in 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts
| Asthma Score | 98 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 68 |
| Provider Score | 99 |
| Hospital Score | 63 |
| Travel Score | 66 |
| 01730 | Bedford | 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: Bedford, MA (ZIP Code 01730)
This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of asthma care availability and related resources for residents of Bedford, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01730). The goal is to evaluate the current landscape, focusing on physician accessibility, resource allocation, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis will also touch on the availability of mental health resources, recognizing the significant interplay between respiratory health and psychological well-being.
Bedford, a suburban community located approximately 20 miles northwest of Boston, presents a unique healthcare environment. While generally affluent and well-educated, access to specialized care and the integration of innovative healthcare solutions are crucial for optimal patient outcomes, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like asthma.
**Physician Accessibility and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**
The cornerstone of effective asthma management is consistent access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within Bedford is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, coupled with population estimates from the US Census Bureau, can provide a preliminary understanding. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. However, this metric alone is insufficient.
The distribution of PCPs within the town is equally important. Are the practices clustered in specific areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in more remote locations? Are there enough pediatricians, given the prevalence of asthma in children? Analyzing the geographic distribution of practices and the types of physicians available (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics) provides a more nuanced understanding of accessibility.
**Standout Practices and Their Approaches**
Identifying practices that excel in asthma care requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes evaluating patient reviews, examining the services offered, and assessing the integration of best practices. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively monitor patient outcomes are prime examples.
Furthermore, the adoption of innovative technologies can significantly impact care quality. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, facilitate communication, and coordinate care with specialists often demonstrate improved patient outcomes. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is another positive indicator. These educators provide specialized training and support to patients, empowering them to manage their condition effectively.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**
Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions. Its adoption within Bedford's primary care practices is crucial. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, facilitates medication adjustments, and reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial during seasonal allergy peaks or respiratory illness outbreaks.
Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption involves assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities), and online patient portals for communication and appointment scheduling. The ease of use, accessibility, and integration of telemedicine services into the overall care plan are key factors in determining its effectiveness.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**
The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, while stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, access to mental health resources is critical for comprehensive asthma care.
Assessing the availability of mental health services involves identifying local therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. It's equally important to determine how well these resources are integrated into the primary care practices. Do PCPs screen patients for mental health concerns? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The presence of integrated behavioral health services within a practice, or strong collaborative relationships with mental health providers, signifies a commitment to holistic patient care.
**Resource Allocation and Community Support**
Beyond individual practices, the availability of community resources plays a vital role. This includes access to asthma education programs, support groups, and resources for low-income patients. The presence of local organizations dedicated to asthma awareness and advocacy is a positive sign.
Assessing resource allocation involves evaluating the availability of these community programs, their accessibility to residents, and their effectiveness in reaching those most in need. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies can enhance the effectiveness of these resources.
**Conclusion: A Path Forward**
Bedford, Massachusetts, presents a unique opportunity to enhance asthma care. By carefully evaluating physician accessibility, the quality of existing practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of community support, a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape can be achieved.
This analysis serves as a starting point for further investigation. It highlights the need for detailed data collection, practice-level assessments, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that residents of Bedford have access to the best possible asthma care. The goal is to create a healthcare environment that empowers patients, promotes proactive management, and ultimately improves the quality of life for those living with asthma.
To visualize the geographic distribution of physicians, analyze practice locations, and explore other location-based healthcare data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can provide deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Bedford and beyond.
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