02724, Fall River, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02724, Fall River, Massachusetts is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.80 percent of the residents in 02724 has some form of health insurance. 62.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.63 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 02724 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02724. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,062 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,015 health care providers accessible to residents in 02724, Fall River, Massachusetts.

The city of Fall River, Massachusetts, nestled within ZIP code 02724, presents a complex healthcare landscape, particularly when considering asthma management. Evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, a critical factor in asthma control, requires a nuanced analysis. This analysis aims to provide an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all within the context of Fall River.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. Fall River, like many urban areas, grapples with a potential shortage of primary care physicians. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, national averages suggest a benchmark of approximately 1,380 patients per primary care physician. Meeting this standard is crucial for ensuring that individuals, including those with asthma, can readily schedule appointments and receive timely care. A higher ratio, indicative of fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, compromised asthma management.

Standout practices in Fall River, those demonstrating excellence in asthma care, often integrate several key elements. These include a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and potentially, respiratory therapists. Such collaboration facilitates comprehensive care, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. Practices excelling in asthma management typically employ standardized protocols, ensuring consistent and evidence-based care. Furthermore, they actively engage in patient education, empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively. This includes instruction on medication usage, trigger avoidance, and recognizing early warning signs of an asthma exacerbation.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telehealth offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Within Fall River, the extent of telemedicine integration among primary care practices varies. Some practices may offer virtual consultations for routine follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education. Others may utilize remote monitoring devices, allowing patients to track their peak flow readings and other vital signs, providing valuable data for physicians to assess asthma control. The availability of telemedicine directly impacts the ‘Asthma Score’, as it enhances access and convenience for patients.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the interplay between physical and mental health. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a person's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities among individuals with asthma. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. Practices demonstrating a commitment to holistic care often integrate mental health services, either directly through on-site therapists or through referrals to mental health specialists. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health, leading to improved asthma outcomes. The ‘Asthma Score’ reflects the degree to which practices address the mental health needs of their patients.

Evaluating the ‘Asthma Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 02724 necessitates a multi-faceted approach. It requires assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of evidence-based practices, the availability of telemedicine services, and the integration of mental health resources. A practice that excels in all these areas would receive a higher score, indicating a greater capacity to provide comprehensive and effective asthma care. Conversely, practices lacking in these areas would receive a lower score, suggesting potential gaps in care.

The assessment of physician-to-patient ratios in Fall River reveals a need for ongoing monitoring. The city may experience fluctuations in the availability of primary care physicians. This is a dynamic situation. The ‘Asthma Score’ must be adjusted accordingly, reflecting the current realities of access to care.

Standout practices within Fall River often demonstrate a commitment to patient education. They provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their asthma effectively. This includes instruction on medication usage, trigger avoidance, and recognizing early warning signs of an asthma exacerbation. This proactive approach contributes significantly to improved asthma control.

Telemedicine's role in Fall River's healthcare landscape is evolving. Its adoption offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients facing mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The ‘Asthma Score’ reflects the degree to which practices embrace this technology.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Recognizing the link between physical and emotional well-being is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Practices that prioritize mental health services receive a higher score.

In conclusion, the ‘Asthma Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 02724 is a dynamic measure reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The overall score provides a valuable snapshot of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Fall River.

For a more detailed and interactive visualization of healthcare resources, including physician locations and practice characteristics, explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Fall River and beyond.