02346, Middleboro, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02346, Middleboro, Massachusetts is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.26 percent of the residents in 02346 has some form of health insurance. 36.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.03 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 02346 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,979 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02346. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,677 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,726 health care providers accessible to residents in 02346, Middleboro, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Middleboro, MA (ZIP Code 02346)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Middleboro, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02346) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, access to resources, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating key factors influencing asthma management for residents of this community.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While publicly available data might offer a general overview, a deeper dive is needed to determine the actual availability of PCPs accepting new patients, especially those with asthma. Factors such as the age and specialization of physicians, the number of patients they serve, and their specific expertise in asthma management all contribute to the overall score. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a high proportion of PCPs specializing in or demonstrating a strong interest in respiratory health, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs, particularly those well-versed in asthma care, would negatively impact the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by these PCPs is paramount. This necessitates an evaluation of their adherence to established asthma management guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). This could involve assessing their use of asthma action plans, their proficiency in prescribing and monitoring asthma medications, and their ability to educate patients on proper inhaler technique and environmental control measures. Practices that consistently implement these best practices would receive higher marks, boosting the overall Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within Middleboro is essential. These practices often serve as models for others, demonstrating excellence in asthma care. Factors that could distinguish these practices include a multidisciplinary approach, involving not only PCPs but also nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially asthma educators. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day sick visits would also receive favorable consideration, enhancing accessibility for patients experiencing asthma exacerbations. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking their patients' asthma control and outcomes, would demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, thereby positively influencing the Asthma Score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element in modern asthma care. Telemedicine offers numerous advantages, including increased accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically underserved areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, and asthma education would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients' symptoms and medication adherence, enabling proactive intervention and potentially reducing the frequency of asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, provide access to mental health professionals, or collaborate with mental health providers would receive higher marks. This could involve offering on-site counseling services, referring patients to local therapists or psychiatrists, or integrating mental health assessments into routine asthma care. A strong network of mental health support can significantly improve the overall Asthma Score.

Environmental factors play a significant role in asthma management. Middleboro's Asthma Score should also consider the local environment. This includes assessing the prevalence of common asthma triggers, such as pollen, mold, and air pollution. The availability of resources to help patients identify and mitigate these triggers, such as access to environmental assessments or educational materials, would contribute positively to the score. Furthermore, community initiatives aimed at improving air quality or promoting healthy homes would also reflect positively on the overall assessment.

Access to specialist care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also a vital aspect of asthma management, particularly for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of these specialists to Middleboro residents, the ease of referral from PCPs, and the availability of specialized asthma services, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, would all influence the Asthma Score. A well-coordinated network of specialists ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of care when needed.

Finally, the Asthma Score should consider the affordability of asthma care. This includes evaluating the cost of medications, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the acceptance of various insurance plans by local healthcare providers. Practices that are transparent about their pricing, offer affordable payment options, and assist patients in navigating the complexities of health insurance would contribute positively to the score. Ensuring that asthma care is financially accessible is crucial for promoting equitable access to care and improving patient outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for Middleboro (02346) requires a holistic evaluation of physician availability, quality of care, the integration of technology, the availability of mental health resources, environmental factors, access to specialist care, and affordability. A comprehensive analysis, including data from multiple sources and a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape, is essential to provide an accurate and meaningful assessment.

For a more visual and interactive understanding of Middleboro's healthcare landscape, including physician locations, resource availability, and potential areas for improvement, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps.