02149, Everett, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02149, Everett, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.21 percent of the residents in 02149 has some form of health insurance. 50.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.94 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 02149 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,641 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 72 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02149. An estimate of 30 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,481 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,870 health care providers accessible to residents in 02149, Everett, Massachusetts.

The analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care accessibility in Everett, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02149). This involves evaluating physician resources, technological integration, and mental health support, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes. We will assess these factors to provide an “Asthma Score” ranking, though a precise numerical score is beyond the scope of this text. Instead, we will offer a qualitative assessment.

Everett, a city undergoing significant demographic shifts, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The prevalence of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, is often disproportionately higher in urban environments, necessitating a robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of asthma management, providing initial diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and patient education.

Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Metric

One of the most critical factors in assessing healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. In Everett, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs, particularly those accepting new patients, needs close examination. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services can provide insights into these ratios. A low ratio suggests a more favorable environment for patients seeking timely care.

Standout Practices: Identifying Leaders in Asthma Care

Within Everett, certain primary care practices likely stand out in their approach to asthma management. These practices may excel in several areas:

* **Specialized Asthma Clinics:** Some practices may have dedicated asthma clinics or specialized staff (e.g., certified asthma educators) focused on asthma care.
* **Comprehensive Asthma Action Plans:** Practices that consistently provide patients with personalized, written asthma action plans, detailing medication schedules, symptom management, and emergency protocols, are vital.
* **Proactive Patient Education:** Practices that actively educate patients about asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique are essential.
* **Coordination of Care:** Practices that effectively coordinate care with pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists ensure a holistic approach to asthma management.

Identifying these standout practices requires a review of online patient reviews, interviews with local healthcare professionals, and analysis of practice websites and service offerings.

Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Access Gap

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in urban areas. Its adoption in Everett can significantly improve asthma care accessibility. Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Allowing patients to connect with their PCPs for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management advice without requiring an in-person visit.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Enabling physicians to monitor patients’ asthma symptoms, medication adherence, and lung function through wearable devices and other technologies.
* **Asthma Education and Support:** Providing online educational resources, support groups, and self-management tools.

The extent of telemedicine adoption by PCPs in Everett, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, and online patient portals, is a crucial factor in our “Asthma Score” analysis.

Mental Health Resources: An Overlooked Component

Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among asthma patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices and the broader community is a critical consideration. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care, such as:

* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Regularly screening patients for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
* **On-site Mental Health Professionals:** Having psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists on staff or readily accessible.
* **Referrals to Mental Health Services:** Providing patients with referrals to mental health specialists and support groups.
* **Collaboration with Mental Health Providers:** Coordinating care with mental health providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient well-being.

These practices demonstrate a commitment to addressing the complex needs of asthma patients. The availability and accessibility of these resources will influence the “Asthma Score” significantly.

Primary Care Availability in Everett: A Broader Perspective

Beyond individual practices, the overall availability of primary care in Everett is crucial. This includes:

* **Number of PCPs:** The total number of PCPs serving the population.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** Whether PCPs accept a wide range of insurance plans, including MassHealth and Medicare.
* **Language Access:** The availability of PCPs who speak languages other than English, reflecting the city's diverse population.
* **Evening and Weekend Hours:** The availability of appointments outside of standard business hours.

These factors contribute to the overall accessibility of primary care services, which is essential for effective asthma management.

Synthesizing the “Asthma Score”

Based on the factors discussed above, we can qualitatively assess the “Asthma Score” for primary care in Everett. A high score would indicate:

* Favorable physician-to-patient ratios.
* Several standout practices with specialized asthma care.
* Widespread adoption of telemedicine.
* Robust mental health resources integrated into primary care.
* High overall primary care availability.

Conversely, a low score would reflect the opposite conditions. The actual score would depend on a comprehensive data analysis, which is beyond the scope of this analysis.

Leveraging CartoChrome Maps

For a deeper understanding of healthcare access and asthma care resources in Everett, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent:

* **Physician Locations:** Mapping the locations of PCPs and specialists.
* **Patient Demographics:** Overlaying patient demographics (e.g., age, ethnicity, income) to identify areas with higher asthma prevalence and potential disparities in access to care.
* **Telemedicine Availability:** Highlighting practices that offer telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Mapping the locations of mental health providers and support services.

CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.