27521, Coats, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27521, Coats, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.97 percent of the residents in 27521 has some form of health insurance. 45.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.86 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 27521 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,648 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27521. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,334 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,281 health care providers accessible to residents in 27521, Coats, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 27521 and Coats, NC

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the specific needs of residents in ZIP Code 27521 (likely encompassing the town of Coats, NC) and evaluates the availability of primary care physicians and associated resources crucial for asthma sufferers. The goal is to assess the current state of asthma care and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. This includes regular check-ups, medication management, and patient education. In Coats, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios provide a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment for asthma. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau can be combined to estimate these ratios. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that these are broad estimates and do not fully capture the nuances of individual practice capacity or patient volume.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices within and around Coats is important. Are the practices geographically accessible to all residents, including those in more rural areas? Transportation challenges, particularly for individuals with asthma who may experience shortness of breath during physical exertion, can significantly impact access to care. The presence of practices accepting Medicaid and other forms of insurance is also a crucial factor, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving necessary treatment.

Standout practices, those demonstrating exemplary asthma management, deserve recognition. These practices often incorporate best practices, such as comprehensive asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, and patient education on triggers and medication adherence. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing outcomes data (if available), and assessing the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for asthma care. These practices serve as models for other providers in the area, highlighting effective strategies for asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for asthma management. It allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require frequent follow-up care. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Coats should be assessed, including the types of services offered and the accessibility of these services to patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering remote monitoring capabilities, may be better positioned to provide proactive and responsive asthma care.

Asthma often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as support groups and educational resources. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices in Coats is crucial. Does the practice have partnerships with mental health providers? Are there on-site mental health services available? Are patients screened for mental health conditions?

Furthermore, the availability of asthma-specific educational resources in the community is essential. This includes patient education materials, support groups, and programs that promote asthma awareness and self-management. Local health departments, community organizations, and schools can play a vital role in providing these resources. Evaluating the presence and accessibility of these resources is a critical aspect of assessing the overall asthma care landscape in Coats.

The effectiveness of asthma management also depends on the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require referral to specialists. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these specialists is essential. Are there pulmonologists and allergists within a reasonable driving distance of Coats? Are referral pathways streamlined and efficient?

Data on hospital readmission rates for asthma exacerbations can also provide valuable insights. High readmission rates may indicate inadequate asthma management, including poor adherence to medication, lack of patient education, or insufficient follow-up care. Analyzing hospital data, if available, can help identify areas where improvements are needed.

Finally, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly enhance asthma management. EHRs allow for the efficient tracking of patient information, medication history, and treatment plans. They also facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients. Assessing the adoption and utilization of EHRs among primary care practices in Coats is important. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs are better equipped to provide coordinated and comprehensive asthma care.

The overall assessment of asthma care in 27521 and Coats, NC, requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community-based support. Identifying gaps in care and highlighting best practices can inform efforts to improve asthma management and outcomes for residents.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and community resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the landscape of asthma care in your community.