02180, Stoneham, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02180, Stoneham, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.78 percent of the residents in 02180 has some form of health insurance. 27.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.37 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 02180 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,544 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02180. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,526 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 02180, Stoneham, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02180 & Primary Care in Stoneham

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Stoneham, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02180) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the quality of asthma management offered, and the integration of innovative healthcare delivery models. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering various factors crucial for effective asthma control within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of good asthma care rests on accessible primary care. Stoneham's population, estimated at approximately 23,000 residents, needs a sufficient number of PCPs to ensure timely access to care. While precise physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and fluctuate, the national average serves as a benchmark. A ratio significantly exceeding this average could indicate potential access challenges. This would be reflected negatively in the "Asthma Score."

To determine the "Asthma Score," we need to investigate the current PCP landscape in 02180. This includes identifying the number of practicing PCPs, their specialties (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine), and their patient panel sizes. Data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and insurance provider directories would be crucial. Furthermore, assessing the acceptance of new patients is essential. Practices consistently closed to new patients or with lengthy wait times would negatively impact the score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of asthma management provided by these PCPs is paramount. This involves evaluating their adherence to established asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Key indicators include the frequency of spirometry testing, the use of inhaled corticosteroids as preventative therapy, and the provision of personalized asthma action plans. Practices that consistently implement these evidence-based practices would receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices within 02180 is a key component of the analysis. This involves looking for practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This might include practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs, have dedicated asthma nurses or respiratory therapists, or actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, could provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine represents another important factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, has the potential to improve asthma management by increasing access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in underserved areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma care, offering virtual follow-up appointments, medication management, or patient education sessions, would receive a positive score adjustment.

Mental health considerations are also crucial. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is an important aspect of the "Asthma Score" assessment. Practices that screen for mental health issues and provide access to mental health services or referrals would be viewed more favorably.

The integration of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is also vital. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialists is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of specialists and the ease of referral from PCPs are important factors. The "Asthma Score" would benefit from the presence of readily accessible specialists.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy, is a factor. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in educating patients on proper inhaler technique, managing exacerbations, and providing pulmonary rehabilitation. Practices with access to respiratory therapists or those that integrate respiratory therapy services into their care model would receive a higher score.

The "Asthma Score" would be influenced by the presence of community resources. Local asthma support groups, educational programs, and collaborations with community health organizations can significantly improve patient outcomes. Practices that actively engage with these resources and promote patient participation would be viewed positively.

To calculate the "Asthma Score," a weighted scoring system would be employed. Each factor, such as PCP availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The practices would then be scored on each factor, and the weighted scores would be aggregated to determine the overall "Asthma Score" for the area.

The final "Asthma Score" would be presented as a composite metric, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Stoneham (02180). This score could be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement.

This analysis underscores the complexity of assessing asthma care. It necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, from the availability of PCPs to the integration of mental health services. The "Asthma Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the asthma care landscape in Stoneham and for promoting better outcomes for asthma patients.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Stoneham, including physician locations, access to specialists, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows for a dynamic and insightful exploration of healthcare data, providing a valuable resource for both patients and healthcare professionals.