27701, Durham, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27701, Durham, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.39 percent of the residents in 27701 has some form of health insurance. 31.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.56 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 27701 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27701. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,104 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 47,128 health care providers accessible to residents in 27701, Durham, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Durham, NC (ZIP Code 27701)

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 27701 in Durham, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach, moving beyond simple metrics to assess the quality and accessibility of care. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the crucial integration of mental health resources, culminating in an Asthma Score assessment.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Durham, overall, benefits from a relatively strong healthcare infrastructure. However, within 27701, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While specific, up-to-the-minute ratios fluctuate, a general understanding of the area's demographics and the number of practicing PCPs is crucial. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management. The presence of urgent care clinics and walk-in facilities can partially mitigate this, but these should not be considered substitutes for consistent primary care.

Standout practices within 27701 are those that demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management. This includes practices that offer comprehensive asthma education to both patients and their families. Effective asthma education empowers patients to understand their condition, recognize triggers, and manage their medications effectively. Practices that prioritize this education often see better patient outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. These practices often have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who provide personalized instruction and support.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in modern healthcare, and its adoption within 27701 is a crucial element of the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited access to specialists. Practices that offer virtual consultations for asthma management, medication refills, and follow-up appointments are contributing to a higher Asthma Score. The effectiveness of telemedicine, however, depends on factors such as reliable internet access and patient comfort with technology.

Beyond the physical aspects of asthma, the integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services are contributing to a higher Asthma Score. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or referrals to support groups. Addressing the psychological impact of asthma is vital for overall patient health and adherence to treatment plans.

Evaluating primary care availability in Durham, and specifically within 27701, requires considering the distribution of practices across the area. Are practices clustered in certain areas, leaving others underserved? The proximity of practices to public transportation and the availability of parking are also important factors that affect accessibility. The ability of practices to accommodate patients with disabilities, including those with mobility issues or sensory impairments, also impacts the overall Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. It considers the following key factors:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, contributes positively.
* **Asthma Education:** Practices offering comprehensive patient and family education receive higher marks.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices utilizing telemedicine for asthma management contribute positively.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Practices offering or facilitating access to mental health services contribute positively.
* **Accessibility:** Factors like practice location, transportation options, and accommodations for patients with disabilities are considered.

The analysis also considers the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability of practices to share information seamlessly with other healthcare providers. This interoperability is crucial for coordinated care and can improve patient outcomes. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively and participate in information-sharing networks contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

The quality of asthma care is also reflected in patient outcomes. Practices that track and report data on asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits are demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. This data-driven approach allows practices to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to optimize patient care.

Finally, the overall Asthma Score for 27701 is influenced by the presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, within the area. The availability of these specialists is crucial for managing complex asthma cases and providing specialized care. The ease with which patients can access these specialists, through referrals and appointment availability, also impacts the Asthma Score.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the complexities of asthma care within 27701. It highlights the importance of physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the crucial integration of mental health resources. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for improving the quality and accessibility of asthma care in the Durham community.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and accessibility factors within ZIP code 27701, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a clearer picture of the healthcare landscape in Durham.