02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.03 percent of the residents in 02744 has some form of health insurance. 61.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.20 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 02744 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,594 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02744. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,477 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,619 health care providers accessible to residents in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The following analysis explores the "Asthma Score" for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 02744 (Fall River, Massachusetts) and assesses primary care availability in the broader context of New Bedford, Massachusetts. This evaluation considers factors relevant to asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, crucial elements for comprehensive asthma care.

Assessing asthma care quality necessitates a multifaceted approach. While a singular "Asthma Score" isn't a standardized metric, we can analyze the components that contribute to effective asthma management within the specified geographic areas. This analysis uses publicly available data, recognizing limitations in real-time accuracy.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the ability of asthma patients to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and necessary interventions. In Fall River (02744), the physician-to-patient ratio may be a challenge. Massachusetts, in general, faces physician shortages, and this is often more pronounced in underserved areas. The relative density of PCPs is a critical factor. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and, potentially, compromised asthma control. New Bedford, as a larger city, may have a slightly better ratio than Fall River, but both areas likely experience access challenges.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. Identifying these practices requires looking beyond simple metrics. We need to consider factors such as the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of specialized services like pulmonary function testing. Practices that proactively manage asthma through regular check-ups, medication reviews, and patient education tend to achieve better outcomes. We can look for practices that have a demonstrated commitment to asthma management, perhaps through participation in quality improvement initiatives or recognition from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. In the context of asthma, telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations. The degree to which PCPs in 02744 and New Bedford have embraced telemedicine is a key factor in assessing asthma care. Practices that offer telehealth options can improve patient convenience and potentially reduce the number of in-person visits, freeing up resources for patients with more complex needs.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management, yet they are critical. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The presence of integrated mental health services within primary care practices is a significant advantage. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals or have strong referral networks to mental health specialists are better equipped to address the psychological needs of asthma patients. This integrated approach is essential for holistic asthma care.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is another factor. While PCPs are the first point of contact for asthma care, patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma often require specialized expertise. The proximity of pulmonologists and allergists to PCPs in 02744 and New Bedford is therefore important. The ability of PCPs to easily refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment is a crucial component of a comprehensive asthma care system.

Beyond these specific factors, we can also assess the overall health infrastructure in the area. The presence of community health centers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities contributes to the availability of care. The extent to which these facilities are equipped to manage asthma patients, including access to emergency services and specialized equipment, is a relevant consideration.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in 02744 and New Bedford requires a comprehensive assessment of multiple factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialists all contribute to the overall quality of care. While specific "Asthma Scores" are not readily available, analyzing these factors provides a valuable understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in managing this chronic condition.

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