27573, Roxboro, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27573, Roxboro, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.06 percent of the residents in 27573 has some form of health insurance. 54.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.38 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 27573 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,702 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27573. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,032 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 563 health care providers accessible to residents in 27573, Roxboro, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Roxboro, NC (ZIP Code 27573)

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 27573, Roxboro, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility of resources, and integration of modern technologies. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the landscape of healthcare providers and related services crucial for managing this chronic respiratory condition. The focus will be on primary care availability, as it serves as the initial point of contact for asthma patients, and how this impacts the overall care ecosystem.

Roxboro, a relatively small town, presents both challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The primary challenge is often the limited number of healthcare providers, potentially leading to higher patient-to-physician ratios. This can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced individual attention during consultations, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. The impact is particularly pronounced for chronic conditions like asthma, where regular monitoring and personalized management plans are critical.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau, provides estimates. Comparing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within 27573 to the total population allows for a preliminary assessment. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally indicates better access. However, this is only one piece of the puzzle.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Are the practices clustered in one area, potentially creating access issues for residents in other parts of town? Are there enough practices that accept new patients, and specifically, patients with asthma? These factors significantly influence the practical availability of care. Furthermore, the types of practices matter. Are there federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers that offer sliding-scale fees and serve a diverse population? These practices often play a crucial role in ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations, including those with chronic conditions.

Identifying standout practices within 27573 requires a closer look at their specific offerings and patient outcomes. This includes assessing their asthma management protocols, the availability of specialized equipment like spirometry, and their commitment to patient education. Practices that actively participate in asthma-focused continuing medical education (CME) and adhere to national guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), are likely to deliver higher-quality care. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the Asthma Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication refills significantly improves access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, saving patients time and travel costs. It also allows for more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and facilitates timely intervention when needed. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering virtual asthma education and support groups, are likely to score higher in this analysis.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals to qualified therapists and counselors, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling, and coordinating care with mental health professionals. The availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a well-rounded Asthma Score.

Assessing the availability of asthma-specific resources, such as respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and support groups, is also important. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in providing pulmonary function testing, administering breathing treatments, and educating patients about proper inhaler technique and asthma management strategies. Asthma educators can provide individualized education and support, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. The presence of local asthma support groups offers patients a valuable opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and learn coping strategies.

Furthermore, the accessibility of prescription medications is a key factor. The availability of affordable medications, including both controller and reliever medications, is essential for effective asthma management. Practices that work closely with pharmacies to ensure patients have access to their medications and offer assistance with medication costs, such as through patient assistance programs, are demonstrating a commitment to patient care.

The overall Asthma Score for Roxboro, NC, is therefore determined by a complex interplay of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of asthma-specific resources all contribute to the final assessment. While the specific score would require detailed data collection and analysis, this framework provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 27573.

This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing healthcare accessibility and quality. While this overview is designed to inform, it is only the beginning.
To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Roxboro and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant services, consider exploring the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome.