27305, Milton, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27305, Milton, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.86 percent of the residents in 27305 has some form of health insurance. 48.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.04 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 27305 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 400 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27305. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 480 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 47 health care providers accessible to residents in 27305, Milton, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Milton, NC (ZIP Code 27305)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Milton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27305) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of asthma care, focusing on primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

Milton, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, particularly concerning healthcare access. The first critical element is primary care availability. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for individuals with asthma, managing chronic conditions and coordinating specialist referrals. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 27305 ZIP code is essential. This number, however, is only a starting point.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially less comprehensive care. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and local healthcare providers must be combined to calculate this ratio accurately. Public health data, such as the prevalence of asthma within the 27305 ZIP code, also impacts the assessment. A higher asthma prevalence necessitates a more robust healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care practices is paramount. This involves evaluating factors such as the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of spirometry testing (a lung function test). Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes should be recognized.

Identifying standout practices within the community is key. This requires researching individual practices, examining their approach to asthma management, and gathering information from patient reviews and community feedback. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer extended appointment hours, or have dedicated asthma specialists would score higher. It’s essential to identify clinics that have demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and patient-centered care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers may exist. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for asthma management, medication refills, and follow-up appointments demonstrate a forward-thinking approach and can improve access to care. Examining the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with telemedicine services are essential components of the assessment.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, and conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is an important consideration. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as the integration of mental health screening and support services within primary care practices. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of asthma patients deserve recognition.

Further, the availability of asthma education programs is a significant factor. These programs empower patients to manage their condition effectively through education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-management techniques. Practices that offer structured asthma education programs, either in-person or online, contribute to improved patient outcomes and a better "Asthma Score."

Medication access is another critical component. The assessment should include an evaluation of the accessibility of asthma medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter options. This includes the presence of local pharmacies, the availability of affordable medications, and the provision of medication assistance programs for patients who need financial support.

Analyzing the insurance landscape is also essential. The prevalence of different insurance types within the community, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, influences access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs for uninsured patients demonstrate a commitment to serving the entire community.

Finally, community partnerships are vital. Healthcare providers that collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community groups to raise awareness about asthma, provide education, and offer support services contribute to a stronger overall asthma care infrastructure. This includes partnerships with local health departments, asthma support groups, and other relevant organizations.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for Milton, NC (ZIP Code 27305) is not simply a numerical ranking. It’s a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare ecosystem’s ability to provide effective, accessible, and patient-centered asthma care. This analysis highlights the importance of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. By understanding these factors, the community can work towards improving asthma care and ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need to manage their condition effectively.

To further refine your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Milton and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.