27053, Westfield, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27053, Westfield, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.59 percent of the residents in 27053 has some form of health insurance. 34.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.80 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 27053 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 582 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27053. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 760 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,392 health care providers accessible to residents in 27053, Westfield, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Westfield, NC (ZIP Code 27053)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of asthma care within Westfield, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27053), focusing on primary care physician access, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and overall practice performance. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, offering insights for residents and healthcare providers alike.

Westfield, a rural community, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. Limited public transportation, a dispersed population, and potential socioeconomic factors can impact the ability of residents to seek timely and effective asthma management. The analysis will consider these factors in its evaluation.

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

Accurately determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Westfield requires considering the specific specialties of available doctors, including primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and allergists. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in asthma diagnosis and treatment.

Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other sources will be crucial to estimate the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 27053 and its immediate surrounding areas. This number needs to be compared to the estimated population of the area to calculate the ratio. Furthermore, the analysis must account for the geographical distribution of these physicians, considering how far residents must travel to reach a PCP. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is also a critical factor, as they provide specialized expertise in managing severe asthma cases.

The availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations is a key indicator of primary care accessibility. Practices that prioritize urgent care needs and offer flexible scheduling options will score higher in this assessment.

**Standout Practices and Performance Metrics:**

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating various performance metrics. Patient reviews, gathered from platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and overall care experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews, particularly those highlighting physician empathy, clear communication, and effective asthma management strategies, will be highlighted.

Clinical outcomes data, such as asthma control test (ACT) scores, emergency room visit rates for asthma, and hospital readmission rates, are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of asthma care. Practices that actively monitor these metrics and demonstrate improvements over time will receive higher scores. Furthermore, the analysis will assess the implementation of evidence-based asthma guidelines, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, and other appropriate medications.

The analysis will also consider the practice's commitment to patient education. Asthma education, including proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance strategies, and self-management plans, is essential for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that offer comprehensive educational resources, such as patient handouts, online materials, and group education sessions, will be recognized for their commitment to patient empowerment.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers significant potential to improve asthma care access in rural communities like Westfield. Telehealth consultations can reduce travel burdens, improve appointment flexibility, and facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by local practices, including the availability of virtual appointments for routine follow-ups, medication refills, and asthma education.

Practices that utilize remote monitoring technologies, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, will be recognized for their innovative approach to asthma management. These technologies allow physicians to monitor patient symptoms and adjust treatment plans remotely, potentially preventing exacerbations and improving overall asthma control. The analysis will also evaluate the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow, ensuring that virtual consultations are seamlessly integrated into the patient's care plan.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, access to mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive asthma management.

The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the local healthcare system. This includes assessing whether PCPs screen patients for anxiety and depression, and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site counseling or partnerships with mental health providers, will be recognized for their commitment to holistic patient care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources related to mental health and asthma. These resources can provide patients with valuable support and coping strategies.

**Overall 'Asthma Score' and Conclusion:**

The final 'Asthma Score' will be a composite measure, reflecting the performance across all the aforementioned categories. Each category will be assigned a weighted score based on its importance in asthma management. The analysis will provide a detailed breakdown of the scores for each practice, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

This comprehensive analysis will provide valuable insights for residents of Westfield, NC, seeking asthma care. It will empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. It will also offer actionable recommendations for local healthcare providers, enabling them to improve their asthma care services and better serve the needs of their patients.

The insights gained from this analysis can be visually represented using CartoChrome maps. These maps can showcase the geographical distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points, providing a clear and concise overview of asthma care access in Westfield. **Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to visualize and understand healthcare access in your community.**