27217, Burlington, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27217, Burlington, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.06 percent of the residents in 27217 has some form of health insurance. 41.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.61 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 27217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,373 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27217. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,466 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,762 health care providers accessible to residents in 27217, Burlington, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Burlington, NC (ZIP Code 27217)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of asthma care for residents of Burlington, North Carolina, specifically focusing on ZIP Code 27217. We'll examine factors influencing an "Asthma Score," considering physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, crucial components for effective asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests upon accessible primary care. In Burlington, and particularly within the 27217 ZIP code, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise figures fluctuate, a higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally translates to easier access to appointments and more individualized care. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau are essential for determining the current ratio. This analysis considers whether the existing primary care infrastructure adequately serves the population's needs, considering the prevalence of asthma, especially among children and specific demographic groups.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly impact asthma management. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma-specific protocols, such as standardized asthma action plans, routine spirometry testing, and patient education programs, will score higher. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice is a particularly positive indicator. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma care, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), demonstrate a dedication to best practices.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, especially for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms for asthma-related care receive a higher score. This includes offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and providing educational resources online. The ease of access to these services, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, is a key consideration. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve asthma control and reduce emergency room visits.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, while the chronic nature of the condition can contribute to mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within or in close collaboration with primary care practices is therefore a crucial factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals specializing in chronic illness, will score favorably. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who understand the complex interplay between asthma and mental well-being. The ability to address both physical and psychological aspects of the disease is essential for holistic care.

Standout practices within the 27217 ZIP code will be identified based on their demonstrated excellence in the above areas. This involves evaluating their commitment to patient education, proactive asthma management strategies, and integration of technology. Practices that consistently achieve positive patient outcomes, as measured by metrics such as reduced asthma exacerbations, improved lung function, and higher patient satisfaction scores, will be recognized. This also includes practices that actively engage with the local community to raise awareness about asthma and promote preventative measures.

The Asthma Score for a specific practice or the overall 27217 area is a composite measure. It's not a single number but a reflection of multiple factors. The weighting of each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, asthma-specific protocols, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources) is crucial. For instance, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher score, even if it lags in telemedicine adoption. Conversely, a practice with excellent telemedicine capabilities but a limited physician workforce might receive a lower score. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape in Burlington, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Burlington, NC (27217) will be determined by averaging the scores of individual practices, weighted by patient volume. This provides a more realistic picture of the overall asthma care environment. If the average score is low, it indicates potential challenges such as limited access to care, inadequate asthma management protocols, or insufficient mental health support. A high score suggests a more robust and patient-centered approach to asthma care.

This analysis also considers the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma outcomes. Areas with higher rates of poverty, substandard housing, and environmental hazards often experience a disproportionate burden of asthma. The Asthma Score will reflect the efforts of practices to address these disparities, such as providing culturally sensitive care, offering financial assistance for medications, and advocating for improved environmental conditions.

The information gathered and analyzed within this report can be valuable to several audiences. Patients can use it to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Healthcare providers can use it to identify areas for improvement and benchmark their performance against peers. Public health officials can use it to inform resource allocation and develop targeted interventions to improve asthma care in the community.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Burlington, NC (27217) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape, highlighting strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, contributing to better health outcomes for residents.

Ready to visualize the data and explore the asthma care landscape in Burlington, NC (27217) in a dynamic and interactive way? Explore the spatial distribution of key factors influencing asthma care with CartoChrome maps!