27808, Bath, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27808, Bath, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.14 percent of the residents in 27808 has some form of health insurance. 33.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.08 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 27808 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 318 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27808. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 643 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 271 health care providers accessible to residents in 27808, Bath, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27808 and Primary Care in Bath, NC

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 27808, encompassing the city of Greenville, North Carolina, and specifically assessing primary care availability and asthma management capabilities, reveals a complex picture. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources, particularly relevant given the often-intertwined nature of asthma and psychological well-being. We will also examine the primary care situation in the smaller, neighboring town of Bath, providing a comparative perspective.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 27808 presents a challenge. While specific, up-to-the-minute data fluctuates, the general trend indicates a potential shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it more difficult for asthma patients to receive timely care, especially during exacerbations. The situation is further complicated by specialist availability. Access to pulmonologists and allergists, crucial for effective asthma management, may be limited, requiring patients to travel outside the immediate area for specialized consultations and treatment. This geographical barrier can significantly impact the "Asthma Score" negatively.

Several practices within 27808 stand out for their commitment to asthma care. These clinics often prioritize patient education, offering comprehensive asthma management plans and empowering patients to take control of their condition. They may employ certified asthma educators, provide peak flow meter training, and emphasize regular follow-up appointments. Some practices also participate in asthma-related research or community outreach programs, further demonstrating their dedication to improving asthma outcomes. The presence of these dedicated practices positively influences the "Asthma Score," but their impact is diluted by the broader challenges of physician availability.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication refills electronically can significantly improve access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The "Asthma Score" benefits from practices that embrace telemedicine, allowing for more frequent check-ins and proactive management of asthma symptoms. However, the level of telemedicine integration varies across practices in 27808. Some clinics have fully embraced telehealth, while others are still in the early stages of implementation.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of asthma care. Asthma can be a source of significant stress and anxiety, and these psychological factors can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Conversely, the physical symptoms of asthma can worsen mental health conditions. Practices that recognize this connection and offer integrated mental health services, either directly or through referrals, contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." This may include access to therapists, counselors, or support groups specializing in managing chronic illness and its psychological impact. The availability of these resources is not uniform across all practices in 27808.

Turning our attention to Bath, North Carolina, the primary care landscape is significantly different. Being a smaller, more rural community, Bath likely faces even greater challenges in terms of physician availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be considerably lower than in Greenville (27808), potentially leading to even more limited access to primary care services. This scarcity of resources would negatively impact the "Asthma Score" for residents of Bath.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is likely to be extremely limited or non-existent in Bath. Patients requiring specialized asthma care would likely need to travel to Greenville or other larger cities, further exacerbating the challenges of managing their condition. The lack of local specialist care would significantly lower the "Asthma Score" for Bath residents.

Telemedicine could play a crucial role in bridging the gap in access to care for residents of Bath. Practices that utilize telemedicine can connect patients with specialists and primary care physicians located outside of Bath, improving access to consultations, monitoring, and medication management. The adoption of telemedicine is, therefore, especially critical in a rural setting like Bath.

The integration of mental health resources is equally important in Bath, given the potential isolation and limited access to support services in rural communities. Practices that prioritize mental health and provide access to counseling or support groups can significantly improve the overall well-being of asthma patients. The availability of such resources is a key factor in determining the "Asthma Score" for Bath.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for 27808 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While dedicated practices and the potential for telemedicine adoption offer positive contributions, the challenges of physician-to-patient ratios and the uneven integration of mental health resources present obstacles. For Bath, the "Asthma Score" is likely lower due to the greater scarcity of healthcare resources and specialists. Access to care, particularly for asthma patients, is a dynamic issue that requires continuous monitoring and improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27808 and Bath, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and practice characteristics, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a valuable tool for analyzing healthcare data and identifying areas where resources are most needed.