27040, Pfafftown, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27040, Pfafftown, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.28 percent of the residents in 27040 has some form of health insurance. 31.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.62 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 27040 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,074 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27040. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,419 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,842 health care providers accessible to residents in 27040, Pfafftown, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pfafftown, NC (ZIP Code 27040)

Pfafftown, North Carolina, nestled in Forsyth County, presents a unique landscape for analyzing asthma care. Evaluating the quality of care available to asthma sufferers within the 27040 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the crucial link to mental health support. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering these factors and ultimately offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Physician-to-patient ratios form a foundational element of any healthcare evaluation. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures are constantly shifting, the general availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Pfafftown is a critical determinant of asthma management success. Asthma often necessitates frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and proactive care. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer asthma control. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, when combined, provide an estimated ratio. This ratio, coupled with the specific number of PCPs accepting new patients, forms the basis for a preliminary score. The higher the ratio, the better the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices significantly impact asthma care. A practice's commitment to asthma management can be gauged by several factors. Does the practice have dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists on staff? Do they offer spirometry testing and other diagnostic tools on-site? Are they actively involved in patient education regarding triggers, medication adherence, and emergency action plans? Practices excelling in these areas will receive a higher score. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a key consideration, allowing for better data tracking, medication management, and communication between providers. Practices that actively utilize EHRs for asthma-specific protocols and monitoring will be rated more favorably.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care accessibility, especially in a geographically spread-out area like Pfafftown. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication refills electronically can significantly reduce the burden on patients and improve adherence to treatment plans. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for asthma management, including virtual check-ups and remote monitoring of peak flow readings, will receive a substantial boost in their scores. Conversely, practices that have not embraced telemedicine will be penalized, reflecting a missed opportunity to enhance patient care.

The often-overlooked connection between asthma and mental health is another crucial element. Asthma, a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Effective asthma management requires addressing these co-occurring conditions. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to mental health integration will be highly rated. This includes offering on-site mental health services, collaborating with mental health providers, or providing referrals to mental health resources. Practices that acknowledge and actively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients will receive a higher score, reflecting a more holistic and patient-centered approach.

Standout practices within the 27040 ZIP code deserve specific recognition. Practices demonstrating exceptional commitment to asthma care, as evidenced by their physician-to-patient ratio, specialized staff, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, will be highlighted. These practices often serve as models for other providers in the area. Identifying these "best-in-class" practices provides valuable information for patients seeking optimal asthma care. This information will be based on publicly available data, patient reviews (where available), and professional assessments.

Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, within a reasonable travel distance is a vital component of the Asthma Score. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to specialists is crucial for complex cases and for providing advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Proximity to specialist care, as measured by travel time, will factor into the overall score. The closer the access to specialists, the higher the score.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Pfafftown, NC (27040) will be a composite metric, incorporating all the aforementioned factors. The score will range from poor to excellent, reflecting the overall quality of asthma care available in the area. The score will be dynamic, reflecting changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and technological advancements. Regular updates will be necessary to maintain the accuracy of the assessment.

The analysis also considers the presence of community resources that support asthma patients. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications. The availability of these resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The presence and accessibility of these resources will contribute to the overall Asthma Score. The more resources available, the higher the score.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of asthma care in Pfafftown, NC (27040). By considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and community resources, this analysis offers a valuable tool for patients, providers, and policymakers alike. The information derived from this analysis can be used to improve asthma care delivery, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately, enhance the health and well-being of asthma sufferers in the community.

For a visual representation of these factors, including physician locations, specialist proximity, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed above, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pfafftown. They can reveal patterns, identify areas with limited access, and empower informed decision-making for both patients and healthcare providers.