02364, Kingston, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02364, Kingston, Massachusetts is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.12 percent of the residents in 02364 has some form of health insurance. 25.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.10 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 02364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,012 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02364. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,515 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,309 health care providers accessible to residents in 02364, Kingston, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kingston, MA (ZIP Code 02364)

This analysis delves into the quality of asthma care and primary care availability within Kingston, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02364). We aim to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician accessibility, practice quality, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview for residents seeking optimal respiratory health care and to highlight areas for potential improvement within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of asthma care lies in readily accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Kingston, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau, when analyzed, will reveal the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated patient population. A favorable ratio, indicating a higher concentration of physicians per capita, is crucial. This allows for timely appointments, proactive management, and reduced wait times, all of which are vital for asthma patients, especially during exacerbations. A low ratio, on the other hand, can lead to delays in care, potentially worsening asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of hospitalizations.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. The “Asthma Score” will consider factors such as the availability of comprehensive asthma management plans. These plans, tailored to individual patient needs, should encompass medication schedules, trigger identification, and action plans for managing asthma flares. Practices that routinely offer patient education on inhaler techniques, peak flow meter usage, and environmental control strategies will score higher. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also essential. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between healthcare providers, allow for easy access to patient history, and enable the tracking of asthma control metrics, such as symptom frequency and medication adherence.

Certain practices within Kingston may stand out for their commitment to asthma care. These "standout practices" will be identified by their adherence to national guidelines, their proactive approach to patient education, and their integration of innovative technologies. They might offer specialized asthma clinics, staffed by nurses or respiratory therapists trained in asthma management. They might also participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking their asthma control rates and implementing strategies to improve patient outcomes. Reviews from patients, accessible through platforms like Healthgrades or Zocdoc, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine is increasingly playing a significant role in asthma management. Its adoption within Kingston practices will be factored into the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that offer telemedicine options can improve access to care, reduce the burden on patients, and potentially decrease the number of emergency room visits. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as connected peak flow meters, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The "Asthma Score" will therefore consider the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices or through referral networks. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and provide access to therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups will receive a higher score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for providing holistic care to asthma patients.

Assessing primary care availability extends beyond the number of physicians and the quality of their practices. It involves evaluating the accessibility of care, considering factors like insurance acceptance, office hours, and appointment availability. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer flexible appointment scheduling options will be more accessible to a broader patient population. The ability to secure timely appointments, particularly for urgent needs, is a crucial indicator of primary care availability and a significant factor in the "Asthma Score."

The overall "Asthma Score" for Kingston, MA (02364) will be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. It will provide a nuanced assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, specifically concerning asthma care. The analysis will identify areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed. The score will be presented in a way that is easily understandable for residents seeking to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to empower Kingston residents with the information they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively and to advocate for improved asthma care. The "Asthma Score" will serve as a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. It will promote transparency, encourage quality improvement, and contribute to a healthier community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Kingston, MA, including the location of primary care practices and the availability of specialized services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools provide a detailed and user-friendly way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.