27107, Winston Salem, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27107, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.45 percent of the residents in 27107 has some form of health insurance. 41.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.78 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 27107 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14,407 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 96 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27107. An estimate of 74 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,549 health care providers accessible to residents in 27107, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27107 & Primary Care in Winston Salem

Assessing the quality and accessibility of asthma care within ZIP code 27107 in Winston Salem requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of integrated mental health support, culminating in an overall Asthma Score evaluation. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists. ZIP code 27107, like any urban area, likely experiences variations in physician-to-patient ratios. While precise figures fluctuate, an area with a higher concentration of PCPs per capita generally indicates better access to routine care, including initial asthma diagnoses and ongoing management. This is crucial because timely intervention and consistent monitoring are vital for preventing asthma exacerbations and improving overall quality of life. Conversely, a lower ratio could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying necessary treatment and increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Publicly available data, such as those from the North Carolina Medical Board, can be utilized to approximate these ratios and identify potential underserved areas within the ZIP code.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of individual practices significantly influence asthma care quality. Practices that prioritize asthma management often demonstrate this through specific strategies. These include the implementation of standardized asthma action plans tailored to individual patients, the use of spirometry to assess lung function, and the education of patients and their families on proper inhaler technique and environmental control measures. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), often exhibit a higher level of commitment to evidence-based care. Identifying these standout practices within 27107 involves reviewing online patient reviews, assessing practice websites for asthma-specific services, and potentially contacting local advocacy groups for recommendations.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care access, especially for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more frequent check-ins, offer educational resources, and facilitate timely interventions, all of which contribute to better asthma control. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 27107 involves researching their online portals, understanding their telehealth platforms, and inquiring about the availability of virtual asthma management services.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, and conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that recognize this connection and integrate mental health services into their asthma care model demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This integration can take various forms, including on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and the use of screening tools to identify patients at risk for mental health problems. Assessing the availability of these resources within 27107 requires investigating practice websites, inquiring about mental health partnerships, and reviewing patient testimonials.

The overall Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 27107 is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It is not a simple numerical score but rather a qualitative assessment based on the availability of PCPs and specialists, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A high Asthma Score indicates a robust healthcare environment with readily accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive asthma care. A lower score suggests potential areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health support services.

Primary care availability in Winston Salem, and specifically within 27107, is inextricably linked to the Asthma Score. A well-resourced primary care system is essential for the early diagnosis and management of asthma. PCPs serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms, providing initial assessments, prescribing medications, and coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary. The availability of PCPs, measured by physician-to-patient ratios, appointment wait times, and the geographic distribution of practices, directly impacts the accessibility and timeliness of asthma care.

The quality of primary care practices also influences the Asthma Score. Practices that prioritize preventive care, employ evidence-based guidelines, and actively engage in patient education contribute to better asthma outcomes. This includes practices that offer comprehensive asthma management programs, provide patient education on triggers and avoidance strategies, and regularly monitor lung function. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) can further improve care coordination and facilitate the sharing of patient information between PCPs and specialists.

Telemedicine and mental health integration within primary care practices are also critical components of the Asthma Score. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring, improving access to care for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The integration of mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to specialists, addresses the significant link between asthma and mental health. These services can help patients manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can worsen asthma symptoms and adherence to treatment plans.

Ultimately, improving the Asthma Score within 27107 and Winston Salem requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, public health officials, and community organizations. This includes initiatives to increase the number of PCPs and specialists, promote the adoption of telemedicine, and expand access to mental health services. It also involves ongoing efforts to educate patients and their families about asthma management and to empower them to take an active role in their care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27107, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potential areas of need, consider exploring the data visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and help identify opportunities to improve asthma care access and quality.