27024, Lowgap, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27024, Lowgap, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.48 percent of the residents in 27024 has some form of health insurance. 44.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.72 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 27024 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27024. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 712 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 668 health care providers accessible to residents in 27024, Lowgap, North Carolina.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts quality of life. Effective management hinges on accessible, quality healthcare. This analysis assesses asthma care accessibility and quality for residents of ZIP code 27024 (Lowgap, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and related resources. We will not present a formal "Asthma Score" with numerical values, but instead provide a narrative evaluation of key factors.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Lowgap is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face shortages, potentially hindering timely access to care. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 27024 requires specialized healthcare datasets, which are not available for this response. However, we can infer potential challenges. The overall population density in Lowgap is low, which can mean a smaller pool of physicians serving a larger geographic area. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and reduced opportunities for consistent follow-up care, all of which are detrimental to asthma management.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of asthma care. They provide initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists when needed. The availability of PCPs in Lowgap is therefore paramount. Assessing this involves identifying the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Again, specific numbers are unavailable. However, we can assess the presence of primary care clinics, the size of those clinics, and their acceptance of new patients. Are there solo practices, or are there larger group practices? Larger practices often have greater capacity to accommodate patients.

Standout practices, if any, would distinguish themselves through exemplary asthma management. This could involve a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially mental health professionals. They might offer patient education programs, asthma action plans, and regular monitoring of lung function. They may also have a demonstrated commitment to staying current with the latest asthma guidelines and treatment protocols. The presence of a dedicated asthma clinic or a physician with specialized training in pulmonology or allergy/immunology would be a significant advantage. Evaluating this requires detailed information about each practice, including their staffing, services, and patient outcomes, which is not available for this analysis.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access care remotely. This can be especially beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering video appointments or remote monitoring devices, would be considered favorably. The availability of reliable internet access in Lowgap is also a crucial factor, as it determines the feasibility of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are incredibly important. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This includes screening for mental health issues, providing counseling, and coordinating care with mental health specialists. The availability of these resources in Lowgap, and the extent to which they are integrated into asthma care, is a key factor in assessing the quality of care.

The quality of asthma care also depends on patient education. Patients need to understand their condition, their medications, and how to manage their symptoms. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education, including asthma action plans, inhaler technique training, and information on environmental triggers, are better equipped to empower patients to take control of their health. The availability of educational materials in multiple languages is also important, as it ensures that all patients can understand the information.

Medication access is another crucial factor. The availability of affordable asthma medications, including both rescue inhalers and controller medications, is essential for effective asthma management. Practices that work with patients to navigate insurance coverage, access patient assistance programs, and find affordable medications are demonstrating a commitment to patient care. The presence of a pharmacy within the ZIP code or nearby is also a factor.

Environmental factors also play a role in asthma management. Exposure to allergens, irritants, and air pollution can trigger asthma symptoms. Practices that provide guidance on environmental control measures, such as reducing exposure to dust mites, mold, and pet dander, are contributing to improved patient outcomes. This could include educating patients on air quality monitoring and providing recommendations for air purifiers.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in Lowgap (ZIP code 27024) requires a detailed investigation into several factors. These include the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, patient education initiatives, medication access, and the consideration of environmental factors. While a definitive “Asthma Score” is not possible without specific data, this analysis highlights the key areas to consider when evaluating the quality and accessibility of asthma care in this rural community. A comprehensive assessment would require access to specialized healthcare datasets and detailed information about local practices.

To visualize and understand the healthcare landscape in Lowgap and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can offer insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, helping to identify potential gaps in care and inform decisions about healthcare access.