27712, Durham, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27712, Durham, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.91 percent of the residents in 27712 has some form of health insurance. 25.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.76 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 27712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,449 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27712. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,687 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 44,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 27712, Durham, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Durham (27712) & Primary Care**

Asthma management and primary care access are critical components of public health, particularly within a specific geographic area. This analysis focuses on Durham, North Carolina, specifically ZIP code 27712, to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their ability to manage asthma. We’ll examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In 27712, the ratio of PCPs to the overall population is a crucial factor. A lower ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment for conditions like asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio in 27712 requires consulting up-to-date datasets. Publicly available resources, such as those from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Census Bureau, provide population data, while physician directories and professional organizations offer information on physician counts. The analysis should compare the ratio in 27712 to the national average and to other comparable areas in North Carolina to determine the relative accessibility of primary care.

Several primary care practices in Durham are likely to stand out in their asthma management strategies. These practices may distinguish themselves through several key factors. First, they might have a dedicated asthma specialist or a physician with a particular interest in asthma management. Second, they could have implemented evidence-based asthma action plans and patient education programs. Third, they might employ advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function. Finally, standout practices often excel in patient communication and follow-up care, ensuring that patients understand their condition and adhere to their treatment plans. Identifying these practices requires a combination of data gathering and community engagement. Reviewing patient testimonials, consulting physician directories, and contacting local asthma advocacy groups can help pinpoint the most effective practices.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in managing chronic conditions like asthma. The use of telehealth allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, which can improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. In 27712, the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices should be assessed. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools (such as devices that track peak flow), and electronic communication platforms. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma management programs can potentially improve patient outcomes by facilitating more frequent check-ins, providing timely advice, and enabling better adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is increasingly recognized as essential, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices in 27712 should be evaluated for their integration of mental health services. This could include on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, or the use of screening tools to identify patients who may benefit from mental health support. Practices that prioritize mental health integration can provide more comprehensive care, potentially improving patient adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being.

To conduct a thorough asthma score analysis, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. First, data on physician-to-patient ratios should be collected from reliable sources. Second, patient satisfaction surveys and reviews can be used to assess patient experiences and identify standout practices. Third, practices should be contacted to determine their telemedicine adoption and mental health integration strategies. Fourth, the data should be analyzed to create an asthma score for each practice, considering factors such as access to care, quality of care, and the integration of mental health resources. The final score should reflect the overall effectiveness of the primary care system in managing asthma within the specific ZIP code.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population in 27712. Understanding the prevalence of asthma within different age groups, racial and ethnic groups, and socioeconomic strata can inform the analysis and highlight potential disparities in care. For example, if asthma prevalence is higher among a particular demographic group, the analysis should assess whether the primary care practices in the area are adequately equipped to address the specific needs of that group. This may involve considering cultural sensitivity, language proficiency, and the availability of culturally competent healthcare providers.

The data-driven approach to asthma score analysis provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in managing asthma. The analysis can be used to identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, or integrating mental health resources. The findings can also be used to inform public health initiatives and policy decisions aimed at improving asthma care in Durham.

In conclusion, a comprehensive asthma score analysis for ZIP code 27712 requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, an assessment of telemedicine adoption, and an evaluation of mental health resource integration. By combining data analysis with community engagement, it's possible to gain a clear picture of the current state of asthma care and identify opportunities for improvement.

To gain a spatial understanding of these findings and visualize the distribution of resources and care providers, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows for the visualization of complex data, enabling you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in asthma care across Durham and beyond.