27551, Macon, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27551, Macon, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.59 percent of the residents in 27551 has some form of health insurance. 47.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.11 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 27551 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 252 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27551. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 589 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 53 health care providers accessible to residents in 27551, Macon, North Carolina.

The analysis will be presented in a conversational style.

Okay, let's dive into the asthma landscape for doctors in ZIP Code 27551, and then we'll pivot to primary care availability in Macon, North Carolina. This is a complex issue, and we'll try to paint a clear picture. We're going to look at factors that directly impact asthma management, from physician availability to the integration of modern healthcare tools.

For ZIP Code 27551, which I understand covers the town of Louisburg, North Carolina, the asthma score is going to be influenced by several factors. The first, and perhaps most crucial, is the physician-to-patient ratio. We need to assess how many primary care physicians and pulmonologists are actively practicing within the zip code or in close proximity, and then determine how many patients they are serving. This data is often available through state medical boards and insurance provider networks. A low physician-to-patient ratio is a red flag, potentially indicating longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care.

Next, we examine the presence of specialists. Asthma is a chronic condition, and while primary care physicians can manage many cases, access to pulmonologists – doctors specializing in lung diseases – is vital for more complex cases. Are there pulmonologists readily accessible within the zip code or a reasonable driving distance? We'll need to consider travel time, as this significantly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely care.

We can't ignore the quality of care. What are the practices doing to manage asthma? Are they utilizing evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment? Do they offer patient education programs, such as asthma action plans and inhaler technique training? These are all critical components of effective asthma management.

Telemedicine is another key aspect to evaluate. Has the practice adopted telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication refills, or even initial consultations? Telemedicine can be a game-changer, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling or live in rural areas. It can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients.

Mental health resources are also very important. Asthma can be a stressful condition, and anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Are the practices equipped to address the mental health needs of their patients? Do they have mental health professionals on staff, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Addressing the psychological aspects of asthma is crucial for overall well-being and disease management.

Now, let's turn our attention to primary care availability in Macon, North Carolina. Macon County, where the town of Franklin is located, presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. The rural nature of the area often means fewer healthcare resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Macon County is a crucial factor. We need to determine how many primary care physicians are serving the population. This will give us a baseline understanding of access to care. We also need to look at the geographic distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they spread out across the county? This will impact access for patients who live in more remote areas.

The presence of hospitals and clinics is also vital. Does Macon County have a hospital with a dedicated pulmonary department or access to specialists? The presence of community health centers can also significantly improve access to care, especially for underserved populations.

Telemedicine plays a critical role in Macon County. Because of the geographical challenges, telemedicine can be a lifeline for patients. We need to assess the extent to which primary care practices and specialists are utilizing telemedicine. Are they offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management?

The integration of technology is another aspect to consider. Are practices using electronic health records (EHRs)? EHRs can improve care coordination and communication between providers. Are they using patient portals to allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their doctors?

We need to examine the practices' commitment to patient education. Asthma is a chronic condition that requires active patient involvement. Are practices providing educational materials, such as asthma action plans and inhaler technique training? Are they offering support groups or educational programs?

Finally, we must consider the affordability of care. Access to care is not just about the availability of physicians; it's also about the cost of care. We need to look at insurance coverage rates and the availability of financial assistance programs. Are there any programs available to help patients with the cost of medications or other asthma-related expenses?

In conclusion, assessing the asthma score requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to consider physician availability, the quality of care, the use of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the affordability of care. The specific needs of patients in ZIP Code 27551 and Macon County will vary, but these factors will be central to any comprehensive evaluation.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care metrics, I highly recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer a powerful visual representation of this data, enabling you to identify areas of need and opportunities for improvement.