02747, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02747, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.02 percent of the residents in 02747 has some form of health insurance. 31.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.69 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 02747 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,474 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02747. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,481 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,124 health care providers accessible to residents in 02747, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

## Asthma Score Analysis: North Dartmouth, MA (ZIP Code 02747)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02747) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This analysis will provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem in addressing the needs of asthma patients. We will also examine the broader context of primary care availability, as it significantly impacts asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible and qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In North Dartmouth, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, the availability of PCPs, including family medicine and internal medicine specialists, is moderately adequate. However, the demand for primary care services is often high, leading to potential delays in appointment scheduling, which can be particularly problematic for asthma patients requiring timely intervention. The Asthma Score will be negatively impacted if appointment wait times are excessive.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The Asthma Score will assess the extent to which local practices adhere to established asthma management guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This includes the availability of spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool, and the provision of comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs. Practices that proactively educate patients on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique will receive higher scores.

Several practices in the 02747 area stand out in their approach to asthma care. Some have demonstrated a commitment to employing certified asthma educators (CAEs) or respiratory therapists who specialize in asthma management. These professionals play a crucial role in patient education, helping patients understand their condition and empowering them to manage their symptoms effectively. Practices with robust patient education programs and readily available educational materials will receive a higher Asthma Score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, and its adoption within the North Dartmouth healthcare community is a key component of the Asthma Score analysis. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, will be viewed favorably. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically underserved areas. The ability to remotely monitor patients' symptoms and provide timely interventions is a significant advantage.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma control. The Asthma Score will consider the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices or through referrals to specialists. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to counseling or psychiatric services will be assessed positively. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is crucial for holistic patient care.

The Asthma Score will also evaluate the availability of specialist care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of specialists and the ease of referral processes will influence the score. Practices with strong referral networks and collaborative relationships with specialists will receive a higher rating.

Another factor influencing the Asthma Score is the integration of technology beyond telemedicine. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, manage medication refills, and facilitate communication between healthcare providers will be rated favorably. The ability to share patient information securely and efficiently is crucial for coordinated care.

The overall primary care availability in North Dartmouth directly impacts the Asthma Score. The ability of residents to access timely and comprehensive primary care services is fundamental to effective asthma management. Areas with limited primary care access may experience poorer asthma control rates due to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and reduced patient education. The Asthma Score will reflect the broader healthcare landscape and its impact on asthma patients.

The cost of healthcare is another important consideration. The Asthma Score will take into account the affordability of asthma medications, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations. Practices that offer cost-effective treatment options and assist patients in navigating insurance coverage will be assessed positively. The financial burden of asthma can significantly impact patient adherence to treatment plans.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 02747 reflects a moderately positive outlook. While the physician-to-patient ratio is adequate, there is room for improvement in terms of appointment wait times and the integration of advanced healthcare solutions. Standout practices demonstrate a commitment to patient education, the use of telemedicine, and collaboration with mental health professionals. The overall primary care availability in North Dartmouth is a critical factor influencing asthma management outcomes. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in North Dartmouth and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and practice characteristics, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.