27018, East Bend, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27018, East Bend, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.35 percent of the residents in 27018 has some form of health insurance. 38.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.04 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 27018 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,698 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27018. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,388 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,737 health care providers accessible to residents in 27018, East Bend, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on asthma care and primary care accessibility within the East Bend, North Carolina ZIP code 27018. This region, a predominantly rural area, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The evaluation will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. In rural areas, this ratio often presents a significant hurdle. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma management, as PCPs are typically the first point of contact for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially, less effective asthma control. Data from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) suggests that rural areas often face a shortage of healthcare professionals. The specific physician-to-patient ratio for 27018 needs to be compared to the national average and regional benchmarks to accurately gauge the accessibility of care.

Standout practices in East Bend are those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This includes practices that offer comprehensive asthma action plans, patient education programs, and regular follow-up appointments. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant advantage, as these professionals can provide specialized training and support to patients. Furthermore, practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), are more likely to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The identification of these standout practices requires a review of patient reviews, physician profiles, and practice certifications.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This can significantly reduce the need for travel, saving patients time and money. The implementation of telehealth services requires practices to have the necessary technology infrastructure, including secure video conferencing platforms and electronic health records (EHR) systems. The willingness of physicians to embrace telemedicine and the availability of patient support for using these technologies are also crucial factors.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they play a vital role. Asthma can be a stressful condition, and the anxiety and depression that can accompany it can worsen asthma symptoms. Access to mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, is therefore essential for comprehensive patient care. The availability of mental health providers in the 27018 area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), needs to be assessed. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as through co-located behavioral health specialists, is a best practice.

Specific data on these factors is essential for creating an asthma score. This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in East Bend. The score would be derived from data points related to physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each of these factors would be weighted based on its importance in asthma management.

For example, a practice that has a high physician-to-patient ratio would receive a lower score, while a practice that offers telemedicine services and has a certified asthma educator would receive a higher score. The availability of mental health resources would also be factored into the score. A practice that is located in a community with limited mental health resources would receive a lower score, while a practice that is located in a community with ample mental health resources would receive a higher score.

The final asthma score would be a single number that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in East Bend. This score could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement.

To fully assess the healthcare landscape in 27018, a comprehensive review of the available data is needed. This would include data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and other relevant sources. Patient reviews and physician profiles would also be reviewed. This data would be used to create a detailed profile of the healthcare resources available in the area.

The analysis must identify the specific practices in the 27018 ZIP code that offer asthma care. This includes the names of the practices, the physicians who provide care, and the services that they offer. The analysis should also identify any specialists who are available in the area, such as pulmonologists and allergists.

The analysis should also assess the level of telemedicine adoption among the practices in the area. This includes the types of telemedicine services that are offered, such as video consultations and remote monitoring. The analysis should also assess the availability of mental health resources in the area. This includes the number of mental health providers, the types of services that they offer, and the accessibility of these services.

The findings of this analysis would be invaluable to both patients and healthcare providers in the 27018 area. Patients could use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare, while healthcare providers could use the information to identify areas for improvement.

The creation of an asthma score for the 27018 ZIP code is a complex process that requires the collection and analysis of a wide range of data. The resulting score would provide a valuable tool for assessing the quality and accessibility of asthma care in this rural community.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health on asthma outcomes. These factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and housing quality, can significantly affect a patient's ability to manage their asthma. The analysis should identify any disparities in asthma care that may exist in the 27018 area.

The final asthma score should be easily understandable and accessible to patients. It should be presented in a clear and concise format, such as a star rating or a letter grade. The score should also be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in East Bend, including the locations of practices, the availability of specialists, and the distribution of mental health resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual tool for understanding the healthcare environment and identifying areas where resources are needed.