27606, Raleigh, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27606, Raleigh, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.00 percent of the residents in 27606 has some form of health insurance. 18.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.06 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 27606 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,547 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 36 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27606. An estimate of 60 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,711 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 25,031 health care providers accessible to residents in 27606, Raleigh, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Raleigh (27606) – Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the primary care landscape within Raleigh's 27606 ZIP code, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians, their approaches to asthma care, and the resources available to patients. We'll explore physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and consider the integration of mental health support. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced "Asthma Score" assessment, reflecting the overall quality of care accessible to residents with asthma in this specific area.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma care. Within 27606, data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau must be analyzed to determine the precise ratio. This data should then be compared to both the national average and regional benchmarks to assess the relative availability of primary care physicians. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, necessitates further investigation into the reasons behind the shortage and potential solutions. Are there underserved populations within the ZIP code? Are there geographic barriers to access?

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Evaluating the asthma management protocols employed by primary care practices is crucial. Do they adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they provide comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Practices that consistently demonstrate adherence to best practices and patient-centered care would receive higher scores. This involves scrutinizing patient reviews, assessing physician certifications (e.g., board certifications in family medicine or internal medicine), and examining the availability of specialized asthma education programs.

Several primary care practices within 27606 likely stand out for their commitment to asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deep dive into their operational models and patient outcomes. These practices might excel in areas like patient education, proactive medication management, and close monitoring of asthma symptoms. They may have dedicated asthma nurses or respiratory therapists on staff. They could also have established strong relationships with local pulmonologists, ensuring seamless referrals for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. Gathering information on these practices involves reviewing their websites, contacting them directly, and potentially conducting patient surveys to gauge satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption within 27606 primary care practices should be assessed. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, and symptom management? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those who require frequent monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient and accessible care options, would receive a higher score. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves examining the practice's website, inquiring about their telemedicine capabilities, and assessing patient feedback regarding their virtual care experiences.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and vice versa. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial for comprehensive asthma management. Do the practices within 27606 have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Do they screen patients for anxiety and depression? Do they offer on-site counseling or therapy services? Practices that prioritize mental health integration, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, would receive a higher score. This assessment necessitates examining the practice's website, reviewing their patient intake forms, and inquiring about their mental health support services.

The "Asthma Score" for 27606 would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of asthma care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its importance in achieving optimal asthma control. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted lower than adherence to asthma guidelines. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape for asthma patients within the ZIP code.

The analysis would also consider potential disparities in access to care. Are there differences in the quality of care or the availability of resources based on socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity? Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to asthma care for all residents of 27606. This involves examining data on patient demographics, assessing the practice's commitment to cultural competency, and evaluating their outreach efforts to underserved populations.

In conclusion, the primary care landscape within Raleigh's 27606 ZIP code presents a complex picture for asthma patients. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, evaluating asthma management protocols, identifying standout practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and considering mental health integration are all essential components of a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis. This analysis, by highlighting strengths and weaknesses, can guide patients in making informed decisions about their care and inform healthcare providers in their efforts to improve asthma management.

For a visual representation of this data, allowing you to map physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.