02725, Somerset, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02725, Somerset, Massachusetts is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 02725 has some form of health insurance. 31.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.04 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 02725 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 440 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02725. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,087 health care providers accessible to residents in 02725, Somerset, Massachusetts.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Somerset, MA (ZIP Code 02725)**

This analysis examines the availability and quality of asthma care within Somerset, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02725), focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an informed assessment of the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma.

Somerset, a town in Bristol County, presents a unique healthcare environment. Proximity to larger cities like Fall River and Providence, Rhode Island, offers potential advantages in terms of specialized care, yet local resources are crucial for ongoing management and accessibility. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, necessitates consistent monitoring and timely intervention, making the quality of local primary care a critical factor.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Assessing primary care availability in Somerset requires examining the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding area, alongside the population size. Physician-to-patient ratios provide a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. However, this is just one factor.

The actual number of primary care physicians actively practicing in Somerset needs to be determined. This involves a search of online physician directories, insurance provider networks, and local healthcare websites. The population of Somerset (approximately 18,000) is then divided by the number of available primary care physicians to calculate the ratio. A ratio significantly higher than the national average (around 1:1,200) might indicate potential challenges in accessing timely care.

The presence of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics in or near Somerset can mitigate some of the challenges associated with a high physician-to-patient ratio. These facilities often provide immediate care for acute asthma exacerbations, offering an alternative to emergency room visits. However, they do not replace the need for a dedicated primary care physician for ongoing management and preventative care.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the physicians' experience and credentials, the practice's commitment to asthma education and patient support, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that are accredited by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) often demonstrate a commitment to quality care.

Practices with a focus on asthma management often employ certified asthma educators (CAEs) or other respiratory specialists. These professionals can provide valuable guidance on medication adherence, trigger avoidance, and proper inhaler technique. The presence of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, which measure lung function, is also a positive indicator of a practice’s commitment to asthma care.

Furthermore, the proximity to specialized care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is crucial. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The availability of these specialists in nearby cities, and the ease of referral processes from local primary care practices, significantly impact the overall quality of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, and its adoption within Somerset is a key consideration. Telemedicine offers several benefits for asthma patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management.

The availability of telemedicine services among local primary care practices and specialists needs to be assessed. This includes determining whether practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, and electronic prescription services. The ease of use of these platforms, as well as the technical support provided to patients, are important factors in their effectiveness.

Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in rural areas. It can also reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, freeing up time for both patients and physicians. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on the patient's access to technology and their comfort level with virtual platforms.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management**

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can significantly impact asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is crucial.

This analysis needs to determine whether primary care practices in Somerset offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or psychiatrists. If not, the availability of referrals to mental health professionals in the community is essential. The ease of access to these resources, including wait times for appointments and insurance coverage, is a critical factor.

Asthma management often requires lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and self-management skills. Mental health support can play a vital role in helping patients cope with the challenges of living with asthma and improving their overall quality of life.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion**

Evaluating the asthma care landscape in Somerset, MA, requires a comprehensive assessment of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care.

A high physician-to-patient ratio, for instance, could suggest access challenges, while the availability of telemedicine might mitigate some of these issues. Practices with dedicated asthma educators and specialized services would likely provide a higher level of care. The integration of mental health support is essential for holistic patient management.

To fully visualize and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Somerset, and to gain a more granular understanding of the factors discussed in this analysis, consider using **CartoChrome maps**. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, enabling a more informed assessment of the healthcare landscape.