27023, Lewisville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27023, Lewisville, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.97 percent of the residents in 27023 has some form of health insurance. 26.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.43 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 27023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,094 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27023. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,213 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,946 health care providers accessible to residents in 27023, Lewisville, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lewisville, NC (ZIP Code 27023)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 27023, encompassing Lewisville, NC, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," considers key indicators of accessibility, quality of care, and supportive resources. The score, though not a single number, is a composite evaluation based on the following factors.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of asthma management lies within the primary care setting. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Lewisville is crucial. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and more personalized care. However, simply calculating a ratio is insufficient. We must consider the *types* of physicians available. Are there enough board-certified family medicine physicians and internal medicine specialists? Are there pediatricians accessible, given that asthma often manifests in childhood? The availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants also plays a vital role in expanding access.

Primary care availability is not solely determined by physician numbers. The acceptance of new patients, appointment wait times, and the breadth of services offered within primary care practices are all significant. Practices that offer same-day appointments for acute exacerbations, on-site spirometry testing, and asthma education programs score higher. Conversely, practices with long wait times, limited appointment availability, and a lack of asthma-specific resources detract from the score. The overall impression is one of relative scarcity.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their commitment to asthma management. This includes examining their use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education materials, and care coordination efforts. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), demonstrate a higher level of dedication.

Standout practices might employ certified asthma educators (CAEs) who provide individualized patient education on medication adherence, environmental control, and trigger avoidance. They might also utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, identify patterns of exacerbations, and tailor treatment plans. These practices, by their proactive approach, significantly improve the Asthma Score for the community. The presence of these practices is not as widespread as it should be.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to improve asthma care, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists. Practices that embrace telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education significantly enhance the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can reduce travel time, improve patient convenience, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms.

However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors. The availability of reliable internet access for patients, the integration of telemedicine platforms with EHRs, and the training of healthcare providers in telemedicine best practices are all essential. Practices that offer virtual asthma education classes, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and virtual consultations with pulmonologists contribute positively to the score. The current adoption rate is not as high as the potential.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the Asthma Score.

The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within primary care practices or readily accessible through referrals, is crucial. Practices that screen patients for anxiety and depression, offer counseling services, or provide referrals to mental health specialists significantly improve the score. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into asthma management plans, acknowledging the complex interplay between physical and mental well-being, elevates the quality of care. This element is an area for improvement.

**Specific Considerations for ZIP Code 27023:**

Evaluating the Asthma Score within ZIP Code 27023 necessitates a localized perspective. The geographic distribution of healthcare providers, the socioeconomic demographics of the population, and the prevalence of environmental triggers, such as allergens and air pollution, all influence the score. Are there specific environmental factors, like high pollen counts or proximity to industrial sites, that exacerbate asthma symptoms in the area? Are there transportation barriers that limit access to care for certain populations?

The presence of community-based resources, such as support groups for asthma patients and educational programs offered by local health departments or community organizations, also contributes to the overall score. The existence of these resources can help patients manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. The specific needs of the community must be considered.

**Overall Assessment and Recommendations:**

Based on these factors, the Asthma Score for Lewisville, NC (ZIP Code 27023) is likely moderate. While the presence of some quality practices and the potential for telemedicine adoption exists, challenges remain. The physician-to-patient ratio, particularly the availability of specialists, may be a limiting factor. The integration of mental health resources into asthma management needs improvement.

Recommendations for improvement include:

* Increasing the number of primary care physicians, especially those with expertise in asthma management.
* Encouraging the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices.
* Expanding access to mental health services for asthma patients.
* Promoting asthma education and awareness programs within the community.
* Addressing environmental triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms.

**Conclusion:**

Improving the Asthma Score in Lewisville requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, the community can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with asthma.

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