27317, Randleman, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27317, Randleman, North Carolina is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.81 percent of the residents in 27317 has some form of health insurance. 43.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.81 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 27317 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,533 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27317. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,644 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,288 health care providers accessible to residents in 27317, Randleman, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Randleman, NC (ZIP Code 27317)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and efficacy of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Randleman, NC (ZIP code 27317), with a specific emphasis on asthma care. We will explore physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies within a robust primary care system. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer outcomes for chronic conditions like asthma. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can be utilized to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This data would then be compared to state and national averages to determine if Randleman faces a shortage or surplus of PCPs.

Furthermore, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. Even if the overall ratio appears adequate, disparities can exist. Are physicians concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? This requires mapping the locations of practices and analyzing their geographic distribution relative to the population density and demographics of Randleman. This analysis helps identify potential "healthcare deserts" where access is limited.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Practices with a strong track record of asthma management often demonstrate this through specific metrics. This includes the percentage of asthma patients who have a written asthma action plan, the rate of asthma exacerbations requiring emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and patient satisfaction scores. These metrics can be obtained through publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or from practice-specific surveys and patient testimonials. Practices that proactively integrate asthma education, offer readily available inhaler demonstrations, and emphasize preventative care are likely to score higher.

Telemedicine adoption has dramatically reshaped healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions. In the context of asthma, telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management adjustments. Assessing telemedicine adoption within Randleman requires identifying practices that offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the accessibility of these services to patients, particularly those with limited transportation options or mobility challenges. Practices that readily embrace telemedicine, offering flexible appointment scheduling and convenient follow-up care, are likely to improve patient outcomes.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the interplay between asthma and mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. This analysis involves identifying mental health providers (therapists, psychiatrists, counselors) within Randleman and assessing their capacity to serve asthma patients. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals is essential for providing comprehensive care. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Evaluating these factors requires a detailed investigation. The first step involves compiling a comprehensive list of PCPs practicing within the 27317 ZIP code. This list should include practice names, addresses, and contact information. Next, data collection is initiated. This includes reviewing publicly available information from the North Carolina Medical Board, CMS, and other relevant sources. Patient reviews and testimonials from online platforms can also provide valuable insights into patient experiences and practice quality. Direct contact with practices may be necessary to gather information on telemedicine adoption, asthma management protocols, and mental health resources.

The analysis should then synthesize the collected data to produce an "Asthma Score" for each practice and for the overall primary care landscape in Randleman. This score could be based on a weighted scoring system, with different factors (physician-to-patient ratio, asthma action plan implementation, telemedicine availability, mental health integration) assigned different weights based on their relative importance. The higher the score, the better the practice is considered to be at providing comprehensive asthma care.

The final analysis should present a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of primary care availability and asthma management in Randleman. It should identify practices that excel in asthma care and highlight areas where improvement is needed. This information can then be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients.

This analysis would be significantly enhanced by the use of geographic information system (GIS) tools. Mapping the locations of practices, patient populations, and mental health resources allows for a visual representation of access and disparities. This visualization can reveal patterns and trends that might not be apparent through tabular data alone. The ability to layer different data sets (e.g., income levels, transportation access, prevalence of asthma) allows for a deeper understanding of the factors that influence asthma outcomes.

For a deeper understanding of healthcare access in Randleman and beyond, leveraging the power of spatial data visualization is critical.