27315, Providence, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27315, Providence, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.00 percent of the residents in 27315 has some form of health insurance. 39.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.53 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 27315 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 433 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27315. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 542 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 535 health care providers accessible to residents in 27315, Providence, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 27315 & Primary Care in Providence

This analysis provides an assessment of asthma care quality within ZIP Code 27315 (a hypothetical location) and primary care access in Providence (also hypothetical), focusing on factors impacting patient outcomes. The analysis utilizes an "Asthma Score" framework, evaluating key areas like physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all critical for effective asthma management.

**27315: A Deep Dive into Asthma Care**

The Asthma Score for 27315 begins with physician density. The availability of pulmonologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) trained in asthma management directly influences access to care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care. We'll assume, for the sake of this analysis, that 27315 has a moderate physician-to-patient ratio. This means patients generally have access to a PCP, but access to a pulmonologist might be limited, potentially requiring travel to neighboring areas.

Practice quality is another crucial component. This encompasses factors like the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, patient education materials, and asthma action plans. Practices that consistently implement these elements, alongside regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, tend to achieve better asthma control rates. We need to investigate which practices in 27315 actively promote these best practices. Are asthma action plans routinely provided? Are patients educated on proper inhaler technique? Are regular follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor disease control?

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important. Telehealth visits can provide convenient access to care, especially for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and asthma education. Practices in 27315 that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, likely have a higher Asthma Score. The success of telemedicine hinges on factors like internet access and patient comfort with technology, which also needs consideration.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are vital. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, which, in turn, can worsen asthma symptoms. Practices that integrate mental health screening and offer referrals to mental health professionals, or even provide in-house counseling, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources in 27315 needs to be assessed. Are there readily available mental health services that are affordable and accessible to the community?

**Primary Care Availability in Providence: Access and Impact**

Providence’s primary care landscape is assessed similarly, but with a focus on access. The primary driver of the Asthma Score in Providence is the overall availability of PCPs. A shortage of PCPs can lead to long wait times, overcrowded waiting rooms, and reduced time spent with each patient, all of which can negatively impact asthma management. We must analyze the PCP-to-population ratio in Providence and identify areas with potential shortages.

The geographical distribution of primary care practices also impacts access. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving other neighborhoods underserved? This necessitates an examination of the distribution of practices across Providence, identifying "healthcare deserts" where access to care is limited. Transportation options and the availability of public transit also factor into the accessibility equation.

The acceptance of new patients by primary care practices is another crucial factor. Practices that are consistently accepting new patients provide a greater opportunity for individuals with asthma to establish care. Conversely, practices with closed panels or long waitlists can create barriers to accessing timely care. This requires investigation into the current status of practice patient acceptance.

The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other community health clinics can significantly improve access to care, especially for underserved populations. FQHCs often provide comprehensive services, including asthma management, on a sliding fee scale, making care more affordable. The number and distribution of FQHCs in Providence will be assessed.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability between practices also impacts the Asthma Score. EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, allowing for seamless sharing of patient information, including asthma action plans and medication lists. Interoperability ensures that patient information is accessible across different healthcare settings, improving coordination of care.

**Standout Practices and Telemedicine Adoption**

Identifying standout practices in both 27315 and Providence is key. These practices often demonstrate excellence in asthma management through a combination of factors. They might have dedicated asthma educators, offer specialized asthma clinics, or actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. They are likely to be early adopters of telemedicine.

Telemedicine’s impact is particularly important. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education through telehealth platforms are likely to have higher Asthma Scores. The ease of access and the convenience of virtual visits can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations.

**Mental Health Integration and Resources**

The integration of mental health services into asthma care is another critical area. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health, offering screening, counseling, and referrals to mental health professionals, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The availability of mental health resources in both areas needs to be evaluated. Are there sufficient mental health professionals available? Are services affordable and accessible?

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of asthma care and the importance of evaluating key factors like physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The Asthma Score framework provides a valuable tool for assessing the quality of care in specific geographic areas.

To visualize the findings of this analysis and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we invite you to explore the power of data visualization.

**Click here to explore the interactive maps powered by CartoChrome and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape.**