27504, Benson, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27504, Benson, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.25 percent of the residents in 27504 has some form of health insurance. 39.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.67 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 27504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,075 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27504. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,879 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,129 health care providers accessible to residents in 27504, Benson, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27504 and Primary Care in Benson, NC**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 27504 and the primary care landscape in Benson, North Carolina, evaluating factors that contribute to an “Asthma Score.” This score, though not a standardized metric, reflects the overall ease with which residents can access quality asthma care, encompassing physician availability, practice characteristics, and support resources.

ZIP Code 27504, encompassing parts of Angier and surrounding areas, presents a unique healthcare environment. Assessing the “Asthma Score” here involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can hinder timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. This scarcity can lead to delayed appointments, increased wait times, and potentially, less effective asthma control. The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is crucial for managing complex asthma cases and providing advanced treatments.

Primary care availability in Benson, a town within the broader healthcare region, significantly impacts the “Asthma Score.” Benson serves as a hub for many residents, and the accessibility of PCPs there directly affects the ability of individuals with asthma to receive routine checkups, medication refills, and education about their condition. A strong primary care foundation, with readily available appointments and knowledgeable physicians, is vital for proactive asthma management, preventing exacerbations, and improving overall quality of life.

Standout practices within the region can significantly elevate the “Asthma Score.” These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including:

* **Dedicated Asthma Clinics:** Specialized clinics staffed with healthcare professionals experienced in asthma management can provide targeted care and education.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Practices that offer educational resources, such as asthma action plans, inhaler technique training, and environmental control strategies, empower patients to manage their condition effectively.
* **Integrated Care:** Practices that integrate asthma care with other healthcare services, such as mental health support and allergy testing, can provide a more holistic approach to patient well-being.

Telemedicine adoption represents a critical factor in enhancing the “Asthma Score.” Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for routine checkups and medication adjustments. Telemedicine can also improve access to specialists, particularly for those living in rural areas where specialist availability may be limited. The ability to monitor patients' symptoms remotely through telehealth platforms can also lead to earlier intervention and improved asthma control.

Mental health resources play a vital role in asthma management, and their availability directly influences the “Asthma Score.” Asthma can significantly impact a person's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. These mental health issues can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Practices that integrate mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, into their asthma care programs can help patients manage the psychological aspects of their condition, improving their overall health outcomes. The integration of mental health services can also improve adherence to treatment plans and promote self-management skills.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio requires analyzing available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. This analysis will provide a baseline understanding of physician availability in ZIP Code 27504 and the surrounding areas, including Benson. This data, however, needs to be supplemented by on-the-ground research to determine the actual accessibility of these physicians.

The presence of standout practices, as mentioned earlier, needs to be identified through a combination of online research, patient reviews, and potentially, interviews with healthcare providers. Identifying practices with specialized asthma clinics, patient education programs, and integrated care models will significantly enhance the “Asthma Score.”

Telemedicine adoption rates can be assessed by contacting local healthcare providers and inquiring about their telehealth services. This includes the types of telehealth platforms used, the services offered through telemedicine, and the number of patients utilizing these services. This information will provide insight into the extent to which telemedicine is being utilized to improve access to asthma care.

The availability of mental health resources can be determined by researching local healthcare providers, mental health clinics, and community organizations. This research should focus on identifying mental health services that are specifically tailored to individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. This includes counseling, support groups, and access to mental health professionals.

The “Asthma Score” for ZIP Code 27504 and primary care in Benson, NC, will be influenced by the interplay of these factors. Areas with a higher physician-to-patient ratio, a robust primary care foundation, standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources will likely receive a higher score. Conversely, areas with limited access to physicians, inadequate primary care infrastructure, a lack of specialized asthma care, limited telemedicine capabilities, and a scarcity of mental health resources will likely receive a lower score.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality in the region. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance asthma management. This includes increasing physician availability, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding mental health services, and supporting the development of specialized asthma care programs.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27504 and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides detailed mapping capabilities, allowing you to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability. This can help you identify areas with limited access to care and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.