27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 27014 has some form of health insurance. 48.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.85 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 27014 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27014. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 132 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,550 health care providers accessible to residents in 27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, especially where access to quality healthcare is limited. This analysis focuses on evaluating asthma care within ZIP code 27014 (Cooleemee, North Carolina) and the availability of primary care services, crucial for managing this condition. Our 'Asthma Score' analysis considers several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, specifically concerning asthma management, in this rural North Carolina community.

Cooleemee, a small town in Davie County, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to fewer healthcare providers per capita compared to more urban settings. This directly affects the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical metric in assessing healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio (fewer patients per doctor) generally indicates better access, allowing for more individualized attention and potentially earlier diagnosis and intervention for conditions like asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment frequency, and a less comprehensive approach to patient care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 27014 requires detailed data analysis, including the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists practicing within the ZIP code and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau can provide a starting point, but a thorough assessment may require more granular information.

Identifying standout practices within Cooleemee is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality asthma care, potentially through specialized training, advanced diagnostic tools, and patient-centered approaches. Factors to consider include the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, the availability of asthma education programs for patients and families, and the implementation of comprehensive asthma action plans. Furthermore, the practice's responsiveness to patient needs, including appointment availability and communication methods, plays a significant role. Researching patient reviews, consulting with local healthcare organizations, and examining practice accreditations can help identify these exemplary practices. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a strong indicator of a commitment to asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It expands access to care, especially for patients who may face transportation challenges or live far from specialists. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and the delivery of asthma education. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 27014 involves assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters), and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice’s workflow. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve asthma management by providing convenient access to care and facilitating proactive interventions.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and these mental health conditions can, in turn, exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, integrating mental health resources into asthma care is crucial. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing access to mental health professionals (therapists, psychiatrists), and coordinating care between primary care physicians and mental health specialists. The availability of mental health resources within Cooleemee and the surrounding area, including the presence of mental health professionals and support groups, is a critical component of our 'Asthma Score' analysis. Practices that prioritize mental health integration demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

Assessing the overall 'Asthma Score' requires synthesizing the information gathered on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each of these factors is assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of a practice with certified asthma educators would contribute positively to the score. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine capabilities or limited access to mental health resources would negatively impact the score. The final 'Asthma Score' provides a composite measure of the quality and accessibility of asthma care within 27014.

The analysis also considers the availability of primary care services in Cooleemee, as primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients. The accessibility of primary care, including appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and the ability to provide comprehensive care, directly impacts asthma management. A well-functioning primary care system can facilitate early diagnosis, provide ongoing monitoring, and coordinate care with specialists when needed. The analysis examines the number of primary care providers in the area, their scope of practice, and their commitment to asthma management.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Cooleemee (ZIP code 27014) requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources are all crucial components. The availability and accessibility of primary care services also play a significant role. By combining these factors, we can generate a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' that reflects the quality and accessibility of asthma care in this rural North Carolina community. Understanding the healthcare landscape is vital for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve asthma management and ensure that residents of Cooleemee have access to the care they need.

For a more detailed and visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cooleemee and surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide a geospatial representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to visualize physician locations, access to specialists, and other relevant data points.