02191, North Weymouth, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02191, North Weymouth, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.02 percent of the residents in 02191 has some form of health insurance. 40.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.27 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 02191 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,245 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02191. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,892 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,848 health care providers accessible to residents in 02191, North Weymouth, Massachusetts.

The analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care access within ZIP code 02191 (North Weymouth, Massachusetts). It aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors like physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, while also evaluating primary care accessibility. This assessment is designed to offer a comprehensive overview, aiding residents in making informed healthcare decisions.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in North Weymouth is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care, including asthma management. Publicly available data from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, alongside U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, will be utilized to derive an approximate physician-to-patient ratio. This data will be cross-referenced with information on board-certified pulmonologists and allergists practicing within the ZIP code, as these specialists are vital for asthma care.

Primary care availability is a key determinant of overall healthcare accessibility. The analysis will investigate the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) accepting new patients in the area. This involves contacting local practices, consulting online physician directories, and utilizing insurance provider resources to ascertain the availability of appointments. The proximity of primary care practices to residential areas, as determined by mapping tools, will also be considered. A well-distributed network of PCPs is essential for managing chronic conditions like asthma, as PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients.

Standout practices will be identified based on several criteria. This includes the availability of asthma-specific care protocols, such as comprehensive asthma action plans and patient education materials. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and self-management strategies will be given higher ratings. Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their integration with patient portals, facilitating communication and medication refills, will be assessed. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes will be highlighted as exemplary.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in North Weymouth offer telehealth services for asthma management. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online access to patient education resources. Practices that have effectively integrated telemedicine into their care models, offering convenient and accessible care options, will be recognized. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical, aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within primary care practices and the broader community. This includes assessing the presence of on-site therapists or counselors, referral networks to mental health specialists, and the availability of mental health support groups. Practices that prioritize the mental health needs of their patients, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, will be highly regarded.

The "Asthma Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in asthma care. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, and the presence of specialist care will be given significant weight. The adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the quality of asthma-specific care protocols will also contribute to the overall score. The final score will provide a relative ranking of the healthcare landscape in North Weymouth, allowing residents to compare practices and make informed decisions.

The analysis will utilize publicly available data, practice websites, and phone interviews to gather the necessary information. The methodology will be transparent, with the scoring criteria and weighting factors clearly defined. This will ensure the credibility and reliability of the "Asthma Score." The limitations of the analysis will also be acknowledged, such as the reliance on self-reported information from practices and the potential for data inaccuracies.

The assessment will go beyond a simple ranking. It will provide actionable insights for residents. It will identify areas where healthcare access and quality can be improved. This information will be valuable for patients seeking asthma care, as well as for healthcare providers looking to enhance their services. The analysis will also highlight best practices, serving as a model for other communities seeking to improve asthma care.

The "Asthma Score" is not intended to be a definitive judgment of any practice. Instead, it is intended to be a helpful resource, providing a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in North Weymouth. The findings will be presented in a clear and concise manner, making the information easily accessible to the public. The analysis will also include recommendations for improving asthma care in the community, such as promoting the adoption of telemedicine and increasing the availability of mental health resources.

The final report will be presented in a way that is user-friendly. It will include a summary of the findings, a detailed breakdown of the scoring criteria, and a list of the top-rated practices. The report will also include a map of healthcare resources in North Weymouth, highlighting the location of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health services. This map will be an invaluable tool for residents seeking to navigate the healthcare system.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in North Weymouth, including the locations of practices, specialists, and resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a dynamic and informative view of the healthcare environment, helping you make informed decisions about your care.