08518, Florence, New Jersey Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 08518, Florence, New Jersey is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.86 percent of the residents in 08518 has some form of health insurance. 35.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.83 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 08518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,323 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08518. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 880 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,572 health care providers accessible to residents in 08518, Florence, New Jersey.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Florence, NJ (08518) – Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the primary care landscape within ZIP Code 08518 (Florence, NJ) through the lens of asthma care requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, their perceived quality, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all factors impacting asthma management. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. This involves not only the presence of physicians but also their availability for appointments, their familiarity with asthma guidelines, and their ability to provide ongoing support and education. To gauge this, we must consider the physician-to-patient ratio within Florence. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of the number of primary care physicians per capita. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, could signal potential challenges in accessing timely care.

Further investigation into individual practices is crucial. Online reviews, patient testimonials, and publicly available performance data (where available) can offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided. Are patients consistently reporting positive experiences? Are physicians recognized for their expertise in asthma management? Are they actively involved in patient education about triggers, medication adherence, and emergency protocols? These factors directly influence the "Asthma Score."

Standout practices within Florence would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes not only providing medical treatment but also offering patient education, developing individualized asthma action plans, and coordinating care with specialists when necessary. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives would also score highly. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant advantage, as they can provide specialized support and training to patients.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical component of the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for medication refills, symptom monitoring, and follow-up appointments demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the score.

Mental health is often overlooked in asthma management, but it plays a significant role. Asthma can be a chronic condition that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their care models receive higher marks. This might include providing on-site mental health professionals, referring patients to therapists specializing in chronic illness, or utilizing screening tools to identify patients needing mental health support. The integration of these services demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Assessing the "Asthma Score" requires a nuanced understanding of these factors. The score would be based on a weighted system, with each factor contributing a percentage to the overall assessment. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might contribute 15%, patient satisfaction 20%, telemedicine adoption 25%, mental health integration 20%, and the presence of certified asthma educators 20%. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within Florence.

The assessment also needs to consider the geographic distribution of healthcare resources within the ZIP code. Are primary care practices concentrated in one area, making access difficult for patients in other parts of Florence? Are public transportation options available for patients who cannot drive? Analyzing the spatial distribution of healthcare providers and the accessibility of transportation can help determine the true availability of care.

This analysis would also benefit from incorporating data on asthma prevalence within Florence. Public health data, such as that from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can provide estimates of asthma rates. This information would allow for a more accurate assessment of the need for asthma care resources within the community. A higher asthma prevalence rate would necessitate a higher score for the availability and quality of care.

The "Asthma Score" is not a static metric. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. New practices opening, existing practices improving their services, and technological advancements can all impact the score. Regular updates ensure that the assessment remains relevant and useful for patients and healthcare providers.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Asthma Score" for Florence, NJ (08518) involves a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients.

To further explore the geographic distribution of primary care resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within Florence, NJ (08518), we recommend utilizing **CartoChrome maps**. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a deeper understanding of access to care and potential areas for improvement.