02302, Brockton, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02302, Brockton, Massachusetts is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.83 percent of the residents in 02302 has some form of health insurance. 50.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.41 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 02302 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,250 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02302. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,709 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 970 health care providers accessible to residents in 02302, Brockton, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Brockton, MA (ZIP Code 02302)

This analysis provides an in-depth evaluation of asthma care within Brockton, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02302), focusing on the quality and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the resources available to manage asthma effectively. We'll examine the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma management strategy.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible primary care. A high physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. In Brockton, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a critical factor. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other sources suggest a potential shortage of PCPs compared to the population size, especially when considering the prevalence of asthma. This suggests that residents may face challenges in securing timely appointments, which is vital for asthma management.

Standout practices in Brockton demonstrate best practices in asthma care. These practices often prioritize patient education, providing detailed information on triggers, medication adherence, and action plans. They may also offer specialized asthma clinics, staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists, who work in tandem with physicians to provide comprehensive care. These clinics often incorporate spirometry testing and peak flow monitoring to assess lung function and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Furthermore, these practices likely emphasize preventative care, including vaccination recommendations and strategies to minimize exposure to allergens. Researching and identifying these high-performing practices is key for residents seeking optimal asthma management.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating medication refills, follow-up appointments, and even virtual asthma education sessions. In Brockton, the adoption of telemedicine among PCPs is a key indicator of accessibility. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce the need for in-person visits, and potentially improve asthma control by providing more frequent monitoring and support. The availability of telehealth services, especially for medication management and symptom assessment, can significantly impact the overall asthma score for the area.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a holistic asthma care approach. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who can provide support and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. Ideally, these resources should be integrated into primary care practices or easily accessible through referrals. The presence of these integrated services will contribute positively to the overall asthma score.

Beyond the availability of physicians and mental health resources, the broader healthcare landscape in Brockton impacts asthma care. This includes the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, who can provide more specialized care for complex asthma cases. The presence of respiratory therapists in hospitals and clinics is also vital, as they play a crucial role in educating patients about asthma management and providing support during acute exacerbations. Furthermore, the availability of pharmacies and access to affordable medications are essential for ensuring that patients can adhere to their treatment plans.

Evaluating the quality of asthma care in Brockton requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, and examining the availability of mental health resources. Each of these factors contributes to the overall asthma score, which reflects the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care in the community.

To obtain a more detailed and geographically specific understanding of asthma care resources in Brockton, including the locations of physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers, and to visualize the data in an interactive format, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you identify the best options for asthma care in your area.