27713, Durham, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27713, Durham, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.14 percent of the residents in 27713 has some form of health insurance. 22.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.06 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 27713 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13,281 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27713. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,043 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 47,416 health care providers accessible to residents in 27713, Durham, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Durham, NC (ZIP Code 27713)

Analyzing asthma care access and quality within Durham, North Carolina, specifically focusing on ZIP code 27713, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing asthma effectively. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, indirectly, by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

Primary care availability is the bedrock of asthma management. A strong primary care foundation provides consistent monitoring, medication management, and early intervention to prevent exacerbations. In Durham, and particularly within 27713, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise numbers fluctuate, understanding the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their patient loads is paramount. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per PCP, can lead to longer wait times, potentially delayed appointments, and less individualized care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access and more attentive care. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, can paint a clearer picture of this ratio.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs within 27713 is also significant. Are practices clustered in specific areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of the ZIP code? Are there underserved populations, such as those with limited transportation options or lower socioeconomic status, who may face greater barriers to accessing care? Addressing these disparities is crucial for equitable asthma management.

Several primary care practices in Durham stand out for their commitment to asthma care. These practices often demonstrate this commitment through various means. Some may have designated asthma specialists or nurses with specialized training. Others may actively participate in asthma education programs for patients and families. Furthermore, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, such as those recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a key indicator of quality care. Practices that consistently follow these guidelines, including regular spirometry testing and personalized asthma action plans, tend to achieve better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like asthma, especially in areas with access challenges. Telemedicine offers several advantages. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those who find it difficult to take time off work for appointments. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 27713 is a crucial factor in our Asthma Score analysis. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult to manage the condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the healthcare ecosystem of 27713 is a crucial component of our assessment. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as programs that address the psychological impact of asthma. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care programs are better equipped to provide comprehensive care and improve patient outcomes.

Assessing the availability of these resources involves examining the partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers. Are there established referral pathways? Do practices offer on-site mental health services? Are there resources available to help patients navigate the mental health system? The presence of these resources significantly boosts the Asthma Score.

The overall Asthma Score for 27713 is a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate strong primary care availability, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with specialized asthma care, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care, limited resources, and a less comprehensive approach to asthma management.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. We would begin by gathering information from the North Carolina Medical Board and other public sources to assess the physician-to-patient ratio and the geographic distribution of PCPs. Next, we would conduct a survey of primary care practices in 27713, inquiring about their asthma management protocols, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. Finally, we would analyze publicly available data on hospital and clinic performance, as well as patient satisfaction surveys.

The final Asthma Score would be a qualitative assessment based on the data collected. It would provide a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in 27713, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the system and identifying areas for improvement. This information would be valuable for patients seeking care, healthcare providers striving to improve their services, and policymakers looking to address healthcare disparities.

Understanding the spatial distribution of these resources is vital. Identifying "hotspots" and "coldspots" – areas with high and low access to care – is essential for targeted interventions. This is where mapping tools become invaluable. Visualizing the data allows for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape, revealing patterns and trends that might otherwise be missed.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Durham, including the distribution of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to understand the complex interplay of factors that contribute to asthma care access and quality.

**Call to Action:** Explore the power of spatial analysis and visualize the healthcare landscape in Durham. Visit CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing asthma care access and quality in your community.