27043, Pinnacle, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27043, Pinnacle, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.90 percent of the residents in 27043 has some form of health insurance. 44.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.36 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 27043 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,626 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27043. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,141 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,484 health care providers accessible to residents in 27043, Pinnacle, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pinnacle, NC (ZIP Code 27043)

Analyzing asthma care within the confines of ZIP code 27043, encompassing the town of Pinnacle, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, and the integration of key healthcare components like telemedicine and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition.

The first critical aspect to consider is the sheer number of primary care physicians practicing within Pinnacle and its immediate surrounding areas. Determining this number necessitates a deep dive into local directories, insurance provider networks, and potentially even contacting local healthcare facilities directly. The availability of primary care physicians acts as a crucial gateway to asthma management. These physicians are often the first point of contact for diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing monitoring. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can significantly impact the quality of care. Overburdened physicians may face time constraints, potentially leading to rushed appointments and less comprehensive care.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is essential. Are the practices concentrated in one area, leaving other parts of Pinnacle underserved? Easy access to care, considering transportation limitations and the potential for exacerbations, is paramount for asthma patients. Practices located further away from patients may struggle to provide timely care during acute episodes.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by these primary care physicians is a significant factor. This involves assessing their experience with asthma management, their adherence to current asthma guidelines, and their utilization of evidence-based treatments. The presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the area, even if not directly within primary care, can bolster the overall asthma care landscape. Access to specialists for complex cases or when asthma control is challenging is vital.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, can dramatically improve access to care, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. Telemedicine can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence, leading to better asthma control. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with digital data transmission, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who understand the complexities of chronic illness, is a vital component of comprehensive asthma care. Integrated mental health services within primary care practices or readily accessible referrals to mental health specialists are highly desirable.

Identifying "standout practices" within the area requires a more in-depth investigation. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the practice's commitment to patient education, and evaluating their use of technology. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management techniques, tend to demonstrate a commitment to patient empowerment and improved outcomes. Practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient communication and data sharing also contribute to better care.

The "Asthma Score" itself would be a composite metric, reflecting the interplay of all these factors. It would be calculated based on a weighted average of the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by the physicians. The score could be represented on a scale, such as a 1-10 rating, with 1 representing very poor asthma care and 10 representing excellent care.

The analysis of ZIP code 27043's asthma care landscape could reveal a range of scenarios. The area might be well-served, with a high density of primary care physicians, readily accessible specialists, and a robust adoption of telemedicine and mental health services. Alternatively, the analysis could uncover significant gaps in care, such as a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and a lack of telemedicine options. The findings would then inform recommendations for improvement, such as advocating for the recruitment of more physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or establishing partnerships with mental health providers.

Furthermore, analyzing specific practices allows for a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each. This includes evaluating their patient education materials, the availability of asthma action plans, and the use of shared decision-making. Practices that actively involve patients in their care decisions, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their asthma effectively, tend to achieve better outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Pinnacle, NC (ZIP code 27043) requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. Physician availability, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and the quality of care are all essential components. The "Asthma Score" provides a framework for quantifying these factors and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the data, including the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and other relevant information, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing complex healthcare data, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the asthma care landscape.