02743, Acushnet, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02743, Acushnet, Massachusetts is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.82 percent of the residents in 02743 has some form of health insurance. 40.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.12 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 02743 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,018 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02743. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,270 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,091 health care providers accessible to residents in 02743, Acushnet, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02743 and Primary Care Availability in Acushnet

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 02743 (Acushnet, Massachusetts) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to asthma sufferers in Acushnet and highlight areas for potential improvement.

Acushnet, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. While precise figures fluctuate, analyzing publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau is necessary to establish a baseline. This data, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, provides a foundational understanding of the existing infrastructure. The analysis should consider both primary care physicians (PCPs), who often manage asthma, and pulmonologists, who specialize in respiratory conditions.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves examining factors like patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., National Committee for Quality Assurance), and the availability of comprehensive asthma management programs. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, proactive management of asthma triggers, and regular monitoring of lung function would score highly. Moreover, practices that integrate a multidisciplinary approach, potentially including respiratory therapists, allergists, and asthma educators, are crucial for optimal asthma control.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online patient portals enhance accessibility and convenience. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for routine follow-ups, medication adjustments, and education about asthma management. Analyzing the percentage of practices offering these services and the technological infrastructure supporting them contributes significantly to the overall Asthma Score.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care and specialized asthma care is critical. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, referrals to mental health professionals, or incorporate screening for mental health conditions into their routine assessments would receive a higher score. This holistic approach to patient care recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

Evaluating the accessibility of these resources within Acushnet also involves considering insurance coverage and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare, ensure that care is accessible to a broader segment of the population. Furthermore, the availability of financial assistance programs for medication and other asthma-related expenses is a crucial factor in assessing the overall quality of care.

The "Asthma Score" itself would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care (based on reviews, accreditation, and program offerings), telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources would each contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its relative importance in achieving optimal asthma control and patient outcomes. The score would be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison between different practices and a clear understanding of the overall healthcare landscape in Acushnet.

For example, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, excellent patient reviews, a robust telemedicine platform, and integrated mental health services would receive a significantly higher score than a practice with limited resources in these areas. The score would be accompanied by a detailed breakdown of the factors contributing to the score, providing patients with valuable information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis should also consider the geographical distribution of healthcare providers within Acushnet and the surrounding areas. This includes evaluating the proximity of practices to residential areas, the availability of public transportation, and the accessibility of facilities for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that healthcare services are readily accessible to all residents of Acushnet, regardless of their location or individual circumstances.

Furthermore, the analysis should incorporate data on asthma prevalence rates within Acushnet. This information, obtained from public health sources, provides context for the demand for asthma care and helps to assess whether the existing resources are adequate to meet the needs of the community. A higher prevalence rate, coupled with a lower Asthma Score, would highlight a critical need for increased resources and improved access to care.

The final report should also include recommendations for improvement. This could include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine by healthcare providers, and expanding the availability of mental health services for asthma patients. The recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs of Acushnet and should be based on the findings of the analysis.

In conclusion, this comprehensive Asthma Score analysis offers a valuable tool for understanding the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Acushnet. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and geographical accessibility, this analysis provides a clear picture of the healthcare landscape and identifies areas for improvement. This information empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care and helps healthcare providers to optimize their services to meet the needs of the community.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Acushnet and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. These maps provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, allowing you to easily identify healthcare providers, assess accessibility, and make informed decisions about your asthma care.