27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.46 percent of the residents in 27278 has some form of health insurance. 30.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.18 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 27278 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,492 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27278. An estimate of 11 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,045 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,466 health care providers accessible to residents in 27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina.

The analysis will focus on assessing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 27278, encompassing Hillsborough, North Carolina, and evaluating the availability of primary care services, crucial for managing chronic conditions like asthma. This assessment will consider physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an “Asthma Score” ranking. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform patient choices and healthcare improvements.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios in Hillsborough (27278) is the initial step. This metric directly impacts access to care. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access. Conversely, a higher ratio can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying necessary treatment and exacerbating asthma symptoms. County-level data, coupled with specific information on primary care and pulmonology specialists within the ZIP code, is essential for a precise assessment. Publicly available resources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board database and the US Department of Health & Human Services, can provide data on licensed physicians and their specialties.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the availability of asthma specialists, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and the integration of technology to improve patient care. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, allergists, and potentially respiratory therapists, are often better equipped to provide comprehensive asthma management. Reviewing online patient reviews, consulting with local advocacy groups, and examining practice websites for details on services offered, such as asthma education programs and peak flow meter monitoring, can help identify high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in asthma care. Telehealth allows for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and secure communication platforms. Examining the availability of telehealth services for asthma education and self-management training is also crucial. Practices that have successfully integrated telehealth into their asthma care model can potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in asthma care, yet they are critical. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Evaluating the integration of mental health services involves assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health professionals, collaborate with mental health providers, or provide referrals to mental health resources. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients are likely to provide more holistic and effective care.

The “Asthma Score” ranking will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. A higher score will indicate a more favorable healthcare environment for asthma patients. The score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialists, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialists might be given higher weight than telemedicine adoption, although all are important.

For a comprehensive assessment, data collection is critical. Gathering data from multiple sources, including public databases, practice websites, patient reviews, and local healthcare organizations, is essential. The data must be analyzed carefully to ensure accuracy and reliability. The analysis should identify trends, patterns, and disparities in asthma care within ZIP code 27278. The findings should be presented clearly and concisely, with actionable recommendations for improving asthma care.

The final “Asthma Score” ranking will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the ranking to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. Healthcare providers can use the ranking to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the ranking to allocate resources and to develop programs to address the needs of asthma patients.

The analysis should also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and other social determinants of health can significantly affect asthma outcomes. The analysis should identify any disparities in asthma care based on socioeconomic factors and recommend strategies to address these disparities.

The assessment of primary care availability in Hillsborough is also crucial. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients. The availability of primary care services directly impacts the ability of patients to access timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of their asthma. The analysis should evaluate the number of primary care physicians in the area, the types of services they offer, and their experience in treating asthma.

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources in asthma care. Community health centers, support groups, and educational programs can play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their asthma effectively. The analysis should identify the availability of these resources in Hillsborough and assess their impact on patient outcomes.

The analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The healthcare environment is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and policies emerging. Regularly updating the “Asthma Score” ranking will ensure that it remains relevant and useful.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in Hillsborough (27278) and beyond, consider leveraging the power of spatial data and interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps offer an intuitive and dynamic platform to visualize physician density, primary care accessibility, and the distribution of healthcare resources. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and make informed decisions about your health.