27127, Winston Salem, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27127, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 27127 has some form of health insurance. 36.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.07 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 27127 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,865 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 96 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27127. An estimate of 74 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,201 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,511 health care providers accessible to residents in 27127, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in ZIP Code 27127, which encompasses a significant portion of Winston-Salem, requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing the quality of care necessitates evaluating several key factors, from physician availability and practice specializations to the integration of technology and the availability of supportive services. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the asthma care environment, focusing on primary care accessibility and the resources available to patients managing this chronic respiratory condition.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to timely care. While specific, real-time physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio within the 27127 ZIP code. This data, combined with information on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing in the area, forms the foundation for understanding accessibility. The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is also vital, as they provide specialized expertise in asthma diagnosis and management.

Primary care availability is a critical component of asthma care. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. Their ability to diagnose, manage, and refer patients to specialists is essential. The number of PCPs accepting new patients, their office hours, and the ease with which appointments can be scheduled all contribute to the overall accessibility of primary care within the 27127 ZIP code. Factors like insurance acceptance and the availability of after-hours care also play a significant role in patient access.

Identifying standout practices requires examining several criteria. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management often integrate evidence-based guidelines into their care protocols. This includes the use of standardized asthma action plans, regular assessments of asthma control, and patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and track patient outcomes are often better equipped to provide effective care. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms and patient surveys, can offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, facilitating medication management, symptom monitoring, and follow-up appointments. Practices that offer telemedicine options can improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (such as peak flow meters that transmit data), and online patient portals contribute to a more comprehensive telemedicine program.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and offer integrated mental health services or referrals to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The availability of these resources, along with patient education about the connection between mental health and asthma, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Specific practices within the 27127 ZIP code should be evaluated based on these criteria. For example, practices that have a high number of board-certified pulmonologists, offer extensive patient education programs, and actively utilize telemedicine platforms may be considered standout providers. Similarly, practices that have integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals would also be highly regarded. The availability of bilingual staff and culturally sensitive care is another important factor, particularly in a diverse community like Winston-Salem.

The overall asthma care environment in Winston-Salem, specifically within the 27127 ZIP code, is influenced by the interplay of these factors. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, primary care accessibility, the quality of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources provides a comprehensive picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. Continuous monitoring of these factors is essential to ensure that patients with asthma have access to the highest quality of care.

The analysis of asthma care in the 27127 ZIP code is complex and requires a continuous assessment of the evolving healthcare landscape. Understanding the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the impact of technology are essential for improving patient outcomes. To visualize and analyze this complex data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high asthma prevalence, map physician locations, and assess the accessibility of healthcare resources. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape and to identify opportunities for improvement.