02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.91 percent of the residents in 02648 has some form of health insurance. 29.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.27 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 02648 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,108 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02648. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,448 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 829 health care providers accessible to residents in 02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02648 and Primary Care in Marstons Mills

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 02648, encompassing Marstons Mills, requires a multifaceted approach. We will evaluate the existing primary care landscape, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing a chronic condition like asthma. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of asthma care in Marstons Mills rests upon its primary care physicians. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised asthma management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved patient outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates for this ratio, allowing for a preliminary understanding of access challenges. However, this data often lacks the granular detail needed to assess specific practices within the ZIP code.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These are clinics or individual physicians who demonstrate excellence in asthma care. Factors to consider include board certifications in relevant specialties (e.g., pulmonology, allergy & immunology), patient reviews and testimonials, and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and utilize innovative technologies like electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress deserve recognition. Furthermore, practices that have demonstrated improved patient outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to asthma, should be highlighted.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically remote areas. It allows for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations with specialists. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in 02648 is crucial. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with data transmission), and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the practice's workflow.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is critically important in managing asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that recognize this and integrate mental health services into their care model are better equipped to provide holistic care. This can include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and the implementation of screening tools for mental health conditions. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their asthma patients are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Assessing the "Asthma Score" for Marstons Mills (ZIP Code 02648) involves synthesizing the information gathered from the above analyses. The score should reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care within the community. This includes a review of the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

For example, a high "Asthma Score" would be associated with: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of board-certified specialists, positive patient reviews, robust telemedicine capabilities, and the integration of mental health services. Conversely, a low score would indicate challenges in one or more of these areas, such as a scarcity of doctors, limited telemedicine options, or a lack of mental health support.

The final "Asthma Score" would be a composite metric, providing a concise summary of the asthma care landscape in Marstons Mills. It could be presented as a numerical score, a letter grade, or a color-coded system, allowing for easy comparison with other communities. This score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local asthma care system. It could also guide efforts to improve asthma care in the community, such as attracting more physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or increasing access to mental health services.

Ultimately, improving asthma care in Marstons Mills requires a collaborative effort. This includes healthcare providers, patients, community organizations, and policymakers. The "Asthma Score" analysis can serve as a catalyst for this collaboration, providing a data-driven assessment of the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement. By addressing these areas, the community can strive to improve the health and well-being of its residents with asthma.