08104, Camden, New Jersey Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 08104, Camden, New Jersey is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.59 percent of the residents in 08104 has some form of health insurance. 68.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.24 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 08104 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,716 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 19 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08104. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,060 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,440 health care providers accessible to residents in 08104, Camden, New Jersey.

Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 08104 and Camden Primary Care

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within ZIP code 08104 and the broader context of primary care availability in Camden requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will examine key factors impacting asthma management, including physician access, practice characteristics, the integration of technology, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to asthma patients in this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. In Camden, a city with a significant underserved population, this ratio is likely to be a challenge. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards will be necessary to determine the specific physician-to-patient ratio for primary care and, more specifically, for pulmonologists and allergists who specialize in asthma management. This data should be regularly updated to reflect physician retirements, relocations, and new practices opening in the area.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the distribution of practices within the ZIP code and surrounding areas is important. Are primary care practices concentrated in certain neighborhoods, leaving others underserved? Are there any “medical deserts” where access to care is severely limited? This geographic analysis can be achieved by mapping the locations of primary care practices, hospitals, and specialist offices within and around 08104. Public transportation accessibility to these practices is another important factor.

Identifying standout practices is key to understanding the quality of care available. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management, patient education, and proactive care coordination should be highlighted. This can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, patient reviews, and publicly available performance data (if available). Key indicators of quality asthma care include: the use of standardized asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing, patient education on triggers and medication adherence, and the integration of asthma management into the electronic health record.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care in Camden. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in areas with limited access to care. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the patient satisfaction with these services.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration in this analysis. The analysis should identify primary care practices that have integrated mental health services into their care models, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers. Information on the availability of mental health support groups, educational resources, and access to psychiatric care is also crucial.

Another critical aspect of asthma care is the availability of educational resources for patients and their families. Asthma education empowers patients to manage their condition effectively, identify triggers, and adhere to their medication regimens. The analysis should assess the availability of asthma education programs, both in-person and online, offered by primary care practices, hospitals, and community organizations. This includes the accessibility of multilingual resources to cater to the diverse population of Camden.

The analysis should also consider the role of community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in providing asthma care. These centers often serve vulnerable populations and play a critical role in improving access to care in underserved areas. The analysis should identify the FQHCs in the area, assess their capacity to provide asthma care, and evaluate their integration of asthma management protocols and resources.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of specialists. The analysis should identify the number of specialists in the area, their availability, and the ease with which patients can access their services. The analysis should also assess the referral pathways between primary care physicians and specialists.

The role of hospitals in asthma care cannot be ignored. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations are a significant burden on the healthcare system. The analysis should assess the quality of asthma care provided in local hospitals, including the availability of asthma-specific protocols, the use of evidence-based treatments, and the coordination of care between the emergency department and primary care physicians.

Finally, the analysis should consider the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on asthma outcomes. SDOH are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as poverty, housing quality, access to healthy food, and exposure to environmental hazards. The analysis should identify the SDOH that are most relevant to asthma patients in Camden and assess the resources available to address these challenges. This includes access to affordable housing, programs to reduce exposure to indoor allergens, and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles.

The quality of asthma care in ZIP code 08104 and Camden is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of the available resources, the challenges faced by patients, and the efforts being made to improve care. By analyzing physician access, practice characteristics, technology adoption, mental health support, and the impact of social determinants of health, a more complete picture of the asthma care landscape can be developed.
To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the factors influencing asthma care, including the location of practices, demographics, and environmental factors, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome.