27326, Ruffin, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27326, Ruffin, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.31 percent of the residents in 27326 has some form of health insurance. 43.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.67 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 27326 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 941 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27326. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 565 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 651 health care providers accessible to residents in 27326, Ruffin, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27326 and Primary Care in Ruffin

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 27326, encompassing the town of Ruffin, North Carolina, evaluating physician availability, primary care resources, and related factors impacting asthma care. We aim to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering various parameters.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. In Ruffin, a rural community, this ratio is likely a significant concern. Determining the exact ratio requires data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, based on the general trends in rural healthcare, we can anticipate a lower density of physicians compared to urban centers. This scarcity directly impacts access to timely appointments, follow-up care, and specialist referrals – all crucial for effective asthma management. The Asthma Score will reflect this potential challenge.

Primary care availability is another critical element. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients. They manage chronic conditions, provide preventative care, and coordinate specialist referrals. The number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 27326 and the surrounding areas, including nearby towns and cities, determines the accessibility of this vital resource. The Asthma Score will consider the number of PCPs, their appointment availability, and their expertise in managing asthma.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Some practices may stand out in their asthma management protocols, patient education programs, and overall patient satisfaction. These practices might employ certified asthma educators, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and utilize advanced diagnostic tools. Identifying these standout practices requires reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing insurance claims data, and potentially conducting site visits. Their presence or absence will significantly influence the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption presents a potential solution to address the challenges of rural healthcare. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Practices in Ruffin that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management, offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring, will receive a higher score. This adoption demonstrates a commitment to improving patient access and convenience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they play a crucial role. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external mental health providers, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. The availability and accessibility of these resources will be factored into the Asthma Score.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 27326 and the surrounding areas will be evaluated based on the above criteria. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and no apparent mental health integration would receive a lower score. Conversely, a practice with a lower ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily available mental health resources would receive a higher score. The Asthma Score will reflect a composite of these individual practice assessments.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialist care. While PCPs often manage asthma, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity of these specialists to Ruffin, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of appointment slots will all influence the overall Asthma Score.

Further, the analysis will consider the availability of educational resources for patients. Asthma education is crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that provide educational materials, conduct asthma education classes, and offer personalized asthma action plans will be recognized. The Asthma Score will reflect the availability and quality of these resources.

The impact of insurance coverage on asthma care will also be assessed. The analysis will consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices and the affordability of asthma medications. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer assistance with medication costs will be viewed more favorably. This aspect is particularly important in a rural community where access to healthcare can be limited by financial constraints.

In conclusion, the “Asthma Score” for doctors in ZIP Code 27326 and primary care availability in Ruffin will be a comprehensive assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the quality of care provided by individual practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist access, patient education, and insurance coverage. This score will provide a valuable snapshot of the asthma care landscape in this rural community, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, analyze physician density, and identify areas with limited access to care, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing complex spatial data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify potential disparities.