27591, Wendell, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27591, Wendell, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.11 percent of the residents in 27591 has some form of health insurance. 33.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.90 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 27591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,932 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27591. An estimate of 60 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,602 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20,879 health care providers accessible to residents in 27591, Wendell, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses asthma care quality for physicians within ZIP code 27591 (Wendell, NC) and the availability of primary care services within the same area. It employs an "Asthma Score" framework, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, crucial components for effective asthma management.

The Asthma Score is not a single, quantifiable number but rather a composite assessment based on the evaluation of several interconnected aspects of care. This analysis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wendell, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement regarding asthma care.

Physician-to-patient ratios play a critical role in determining access to care and the ability of physicians to provide individualized attention. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. In Wendell, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a key indicator. Publicly available data sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state-level health departments, would be consulted to determine the specific ratio within the 27591 ZIP code. A lower ratio would positively influence the Asthma Score, suggesting better access and potentially improved care.

The characteristics of individual practices significantly impact asthma care. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and provide regular follow-up appointments would receive higher scores. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators would also be a positive factor. Conversely, practices with limited resources or a lack of emphasis on patient education would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Information about practice characteristics would be gathered through online reviews, practice websites, and potentially through direct inquiries.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. Practices that offer telehealth appointments for asthma management, including virtual check-ups and medication refills, would receive higher scores. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the score. Practices without telemedicine capabilities would receive a lower score, reflecting a potential barrier to access for some patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, would receive higher scores. The availability of support groups or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma would also be considered. Practices that lack these resources may be negatively impacting the Asthma Score.

Standout practices in Wendell would be those that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to asthma care. This includes a commitment to patient education, proactive management of asthma triggers, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. Practices that consistently receive positive patient reviews, demonstrating high levels of patient satisfaction, would also be considered standout performers. Identifying these practices would involve reviewing online reviews, consulting with local healthcare professionals, and potentially conducting patient surveys.

The specific data points used to calculate the Asthma Score would be weighted based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of comprehensive asthma action plans might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The weighting system would be transparent and clearly explained.

The analysis would not only identify strengths and weaknesses but also provide recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might include suggestions for practices to adopt telemedicine, integrate mental health services, or improve patient education. The analysis would also highlight opportunities for collaboration among healthcare providers in Wendell to improve asthma care.

Primary care availability in Wendell is intricately linked to the overall quality of asthma care. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing management. The availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the accessibility of asthma care. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer asthma control.

The assessment of primary care availability would consider the number of primary care physicians practicing in Wendell, their patient load, and the types of services they offer. Data from HRSA, state health departments, and local healthcare organizations would be used to gather this information.

The analysis would also consider the geographic distribution of primary care practices within Wendell. Are practices evenly distributed throughout the area, or are there underserved areas with limited access to primary care? This spatial analysis would help identify potential disparities in access to care.

The availability of after-hours care and urgent care facilities would also be assessed. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and access to timely care is crucial. The presence of readily available urgent care or after-hours care options would positively influence the overall score.

The Asthma Score analysis for Wendell would be a dynamic process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the factors influencing asthma care are subject to change. The analysis would be updated regularly to reflect these changes and to ensure that the information provided remains accurate and relevant.

This comprehensive analysis, considering the factors mentioned above, would provide a valuable assessment of asthma care quality in Wendell. It would serve as a tool for patients seeking care, healthcare providers striving to improve their services, and policymakers working to enhance the health of the community.

To further visualize the healthcare landscape in Wendell and explore the spatial distribution of physicians and healthcare resources, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you understand the geographical aspects of healthcare access and make informed decisions about your care.