07606, South Hackensack, New Jersey Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 07606, South Hackensack, New Jersey is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.96 percent of the residents in 07606 has some form of health insurance. 23.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.59 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 07606 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 18 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 07606. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 352 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,134 health care providers accessible to residents in 07606, South Hackensack, New Jersey.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, especially those with environmental challenges. Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within a specific geographic area, like ZIP code 07606 (Hackensack, NJ), is crucial for public health. This analysis examines primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, aiming to create an “Asthma Score” assessment. This score will inform residents of South Hackensack and surrounding areas.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible primary care. South Hackensack, a borough within Bergen County, benefits from its proximity to Hackensack, a larger town with a more robust healthcare infrastructure. However, availability isn't simply about geographical proximity. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care quality. Publicly available data, such as those from the US Census Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Health, can be used to estimate the population size within ZIP code 07606 and the surrounding areas. Simultaneously, databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) and online physician directories can help identify the number of primary care physicians practicing in the area. Calculating the ratio provides a baseline understanding of access.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is important. Some practices might stand out due to their specialized asthma management programs, patient education initiatives, or the integration of advanced diagnostic tools. Identifying these “standout practices” requires a multi-faceted approach. Reviewing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Vitals offers insights into patient experiences, including appointment scheduling, communication, and the physician's approach to asthma management. Further, investigating whether practices are certified by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or have specific asthma-related accreditations can indicate a commitment to high-quality care. These factors contribute to a more comprehensive “Asthma Score.”

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to specialists. The degree of telemedicine adoption within primary care practices in 07606 is a key consideration. Are practices offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patient symptoms and medication adherence? Investigating the availability of telehealth services, along with the types of services offered, will influence the “Asthma Score.” Practices that embrace telemedicine may be better positioned to provide ongoing support and proactively manage asthma symptoms.

Asthma is a disease that is often complicated by mental health challenges. The anxiety associated with breathing difficulties, the impact of medication side effects, and the overall burden of managing a chronic illness can contribute to mental health issues. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is crucial. Does the practice have integrated behavioral health services? Are there referrals to mental health professionals within the community? The presence of these resources is a key element in providing holistic care. The “Asthma Score” should reflect the availability of mental health support, as it directly impacts patient outcomes and overall well-being.

The “Asthma Score” will be a composite metric, incorporating all these factors. It would be calculated by assigning weighted values to each component: physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The weights would be determined based on their relative importance in asthma management. For instance, a low physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher weight, reflecting its significant impact on access to care. The score would be presented on a scale, allowing for easy interpretation.

The final “Asthma Score” would be a valuable tool for residents of South Hackensack and the surrounding areas. It would help them to make informed decisions about their healthcare, identify the best primary care practices for their needs, and understand the overall quality of asthma care in their community. This score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape.

To further enhance the understanding of asthma care in 07606, the “Asthma Score” could be integrated with interactive mapping tools. This would allow users to visualize the distribution of primary care practices, identify areas with limited access to care, and explore the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources. The geographic component is critical for understanding access to care.

Visualizing this data on a map can provide a more intuitive and accessible way to understand the complexities of healthcare access. The ability to overlay the “Asthma Score” with demographic data, environmental factors, and other relevant information would provide a more comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities related to asthma care in the community.

Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the “Asthma Score” and other relevant data. CartoChrome maps can help residents and healthcare professionals to see the big picture.