08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.34 percent of the residents in 08247 has some form of health insurance. 47.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.59 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 08247 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08247. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 483 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 554 health care providers accessible to residents in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Stone Harbor, NJ (ZIP Code 08247)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Stone Harbor, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08247) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician density, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of supportive mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in understanding physician-to-patient ratios. In a small, primarily seasonal community like Stone Harbor, the permanent resident population, and therefore the demand for primary care, is significantly less than the influx of seasonal visitors. This creates a dynamic that can impact access to care. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require access to specific, real-time data on the number of practicing physicians in the area, and the total patient population, a preliminary assessment suggests that the permanent resident population may be relatively well-served, given the limited size of the year-round population. However, the seasonal surge in population could strain the existing resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and a greater burden on available physicians.

Primary care availability in Stone Harbor is crucial, as primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for asthma management. They are responsible for diagnosis, initial treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. The presence of well-established primary care practices in the area is therefore a critical factor in the Asthma Score. The quality of these practices, including their experience with asthma management, their adherence to current guidelines, and their ability to provide comprehensive care, significantly influences the overall score. It's essential to assess the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, and the average wait times for routine check-ups.

Beyond the basic availability of PCPs, it is important to consider the characteristics of standout practices. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This might include the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate efficient communication and care coordination, the implementation of patient education programs, and the provision of specialized asthma management services. Practices that have a dedicated asthma educator or nurse, for example, would likely score higher. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and consistently monitor patient outcomes would be considered highly desirable.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages in asthma management, including the ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients' symptoms remotely, and provide ongoing support and education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, such as video conferencing and remote monitoring devices, are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care, especially for patients with chronic asthma who require frequent follow-ups. The availability of telemedicine can be particularly valuable for seasonal residents or those with mobility limitations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma care, but they are essential for holistic patient management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can have a significant impact on a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is therefore an important factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals or offer integrated mental health services are better equipped to address the psychological needs of their patients.

To determine the Asthma Score for Stone Harbor, a comprehensive analysis would need to incorporate data from various sources. This includes information from healthcare providers, insurance companies, patient surveys, and public health agencies. The analysis should consider all the factors discussed above, assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. The final score should reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area, providing a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The assessment process should also consider the specific needs of the Stone Harbor community. For example, the seasonal nature of the population may necessitate adjustments to the healthcare delivery model. Healthcare providers may need to develop strategies to accommodate the influx of seasonal visitors, such as offering extended hours or providing telemedicine services.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the potential for collaboration among healthcare providers. The formation of a local asthma task force, for example, could facilitate communication and coordination among healthcare providers, leading to improved patient outcomes. Such a task force could also work to educate the community about asthma management and promote healthy lifestyles.

The Asthma Score analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new technologies and treatment options emerge, the analysis should be revised to incorporate these advancements. The ongoing assessment of asthma care in Stone Harbor is essential to ensure that residents have access to the highest quality of care.

The dynamic nature of healthcare requires constant evaluation. The Asthma Score is not a static measure but rather a snapshot in time. It should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring the availability of new treatments, the adoption of new technologies, and the changing needs of the patient population.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in Stone Harbor, NJ (ZIP Code 08247) requires a comprehensive analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis should be data-driven, patient-centered, and regularly updated to ensure that residents have access to the best possible care.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Stone Harbor and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights and aid in informed decision-making.