02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 02717 has some form of health insurance. 33.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.11 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 02717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 921 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 926 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: East Freetown, MA (ZIP Code 02717)

Analyzing asthma care within East Freetown, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02717) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of asthma management, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. An "Asthma Score," though subjective, can be constructed by evaluating these key areas. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of asthma care, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In East Freetown, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Data from public health sources, such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and private databases, like those maintained by healthcare analytics firms, must be consulted. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, could lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent follow-up appointments, and poorer asthma control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care, allowing for more proactive management strategies. The analysis needs to identify the number of PCPs practicing within the zip code and the surrounding areas, including those accepting new patients.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, as established by organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Practices should demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma management, including regular spirometry testing, personalized asthma action plans, patient education on medication use and environmental triggers, and regular follow-up appointments. Reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, when available, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

Identifying standout practices within East Freetown is crucial. These practices often serve as models for others, demonstrating best practices in asthma management. Factors to consider include: the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication; the implementation of asthma-specific protocols and workflows; and the provision of educational resources for both patients and caregivers. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and consistently achieve positive patient outcomes should be highlighted. Publicly available information regarding these practices should be analyzed.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in rural areas. The analysis should investigate the extent to which PCPs in East Freetown offer telemedicine consultations for asthma management. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments for medication refills, symptom monitoring, and educational sessions. Practices with robust telemedicine programs can provide more accessible and convenient care, leading to improved patient adherence and asthma control. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, should also be considered.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health resources for asthma patients in East Freetown. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients are better equipped to provide comprehensive asthma management.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, in the surrounding areas. While PCPs are the primary point of contact for asthma care, access to specialists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The distance to these specialists, appointment wait times, and insurance coverage are all important factors to consider.

Furthermore, the analysis should explore the availability of community resources that support asthma patients. This includes asthma education programs, support groups, and resources to address environmental triggers, such as mold and allergens. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The Asthma Score, ultimately, would be a composite of all these factors. It would be a subjective assessment based on the available data. However, the goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the asthma care landscape in East Freetown, identifying areas of strength and weakness. The score could be used to guide future interventions, such as targeted education programs for physicians, initiatives to improve telemedicine adoption, and efforts to increase access to mental health resources.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and inadequate housing can all contribute to poor asthma outcomes. The analysis should examine the demographics of East Freetown and identify any disparities in asthma care based on socioeconomic status.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in East Freetown (ZIP code 02717) requires a detailed examination of primary care availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identify opportunities to improve asthma management for all residents.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in East Freetown and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and community resources, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their data visualizations can provide a valuable tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas of need.