27229, Candor, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27229, Candor, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.11 percent of the residents in 27229 has some form of health insurance. 37.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.73 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 27229 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 633 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27229. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 449 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 162 health care providers accessible to residents in 27229, Candor, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Candor, NC (ZIP Code 27229)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for asthma patients in Candor, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27229) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of asthma management within those practices, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions like telemedicine and mental health support. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, albeit an informal one, reflecting the overall landscape for asthma patients in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of asthma care is the primary care physician (PCP). In Candor, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Determining this ratio requires accessing publicly available data and possibly contacting local healthcare providers directly. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more personalized care. The presence of a robust primary care network, including both individual practices and larger multi-specialty groups, is essential.

Evaluating the quality of asthma management within these practices is complex. It necessitates examining factors such as the availability of spirometry testing (a key diagnostic tool), the use of written asthma action plans, and the frequency of patient education on asthma triggers and medication adherence. Practices that consistently implement these best practices are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This evaluation would ideally involve reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, assessing the number of asthma-related emergency room visits for patients within those practices, and analyzing the prescription patterns for asthma medications.

Identifying standout practices requires digging deeper. Some practices may demonstrate a strong commitment to asthma care through specialized training for their staff, participation in asthma-related quality improvement initiatives, or the implementation of innovative asthma management programs. These practices often serve as beacons of excellence, setting a higher standard for asthma care in the community. Their success could be measured by factors such as lower asthma exacerbation rates and higher patient satisfaction scores.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like asthma. In Candor, the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care for their asthma patients. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to the physician, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma care is the integration of mental health resources. Asthma, as a chronic illness, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, are better equipped to provide comprehensive asthma care. This might involve screening patients for mental health issues, offering counseling services, or coordinating care with mental health specialists.

Assessing the availability of these resources requires a comprehensive investigation. This includes contacting local primary care practices, reviewing their websites and patient portals, and potentially conducting patient interviews to gather information on their experiences with asthma care. Public health data, such as the availability of mental health services in the area, can also provide valuable insights.

The "Asthma Score" for Candor, NC (27229) is not a single number but a composite assessment. It reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care in the community. The score is influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the implementation of evidence-based asthma management practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for asthma patients, while a lower score suggests areas for improvement.

To improve the "Asthma Score," Candor could benefit from initiatives such as recruiting more primary care physicians, implementing asthma-specific quality improvement programs, expanding the use of telemedicine, and increasing access to mental health services. Collaboration between healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations is crucial to achieving these goals. The focus should be on creating a patient-centered system that prioritizes early diagnosis, effective management, and ongoing support for individuals with asthma.

The information gathered, however, is only as good as its presentation and analysis. The ability to visualize and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and health outcomes is critical for effective planning and intervention. The creation of interactive maps, highlighting areas with high asthma prevalence, low physician density, and limited access to specialized care, can be invaluable for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Candor, NC (27229), and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of interactive mapping.