27812, Bethel, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27812, Bethel, North Carolina is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.03 percent of the residents in 27812 has some form of health insurance. 47.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.44 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 27812 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 552 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 109 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27812. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 603 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,756 health care providers accessible to residents in 27812, Bethel, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Bethel, NC (ZIP Code 27812)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within Bethel, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27812) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to consider the availability of primary care physicians, their specialized knowledge in asthma management, the accessibility of mental health support, and the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine. This analysis culminates in an "Asthma Score," a qualitative assessment reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management is a robust primary care infrastructure. In Bethel, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, compromised care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with demographic information from the US Census Bureau, allows us to estimate this ratio. A high ratio, indicating a more favorable physician-to-patient balance, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Conversely, a low ratio necessitates a more critical assessment of the remaining factors.

Beyond sheer numbers, the expertise of the available physicians is paramount. Do a significant number of primary care physicians in Bethel possess specialized training or certifications in asthma management? Are they actively involved in continuing medical education (CME) programs focused on respiratory health? The presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the primary care network, or easily accessible through referral, would significantly elevate the Asthma Score. This includes examining the practices' affiliations with hospitals and specialists in nearby cities, as this can influence the quality and availability of specialized care.

Standout practices within the 27812 ZIP code deserve particular attention. Identifying those practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific care is essential. This includes evaluating their patient education materials, the availability of asthma action plans, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. Do these practices actively participate in asthma-related community outreach programs or support groups? Practices that proactively engage in these activities would receive higher marks, positively impacting the overall Asthma Score.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. In Bethel, the availability of telehealth options for asthma patients is a critical factor. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments? Are remote monitoring tools, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, utilized to track patient progress and proactively address potential exacerbations? The integration of telemedicine services would contribute significantly to a higher Asthma Score, reflecting improved accessibility and convenience for patients.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental well-being. The presence and accessibility of mental health resources are therefore crucial to comprehensive asthma care. Do primary care practices in Bethel offer integrated behavioral health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are these mental health resources readily accessible and affordable for patients? The availability of support groups, counseling services, and educational programs focused on managing the psychological impact of asthma is vital. A robust network of mental health support would positively influence the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score itself is a qualitative assessment, not a rigid numerical calculation. It is a holistic judgment based on the factors discussed above. A high Asthma Score would indicate a community with a strong primary care infrastructure, physicians with specialized asthma knowledge, proactive practices, readily available telemedicine options, and accessible mental health resources. A low Asthma Score, conversely, would reflect areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, enhancing specialist access, and expanding telemedicine and mental health support.

For example, a practice demonstrating a commitment to asthma education, offering telemedicine follow-up appointments, and having established partnerships with local mental health providers would contribute significantly to a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited physician availability, no telemedicine options, and no mental health referrals would likely receive a lower score.

Assessing the availability of pharmacies and their ability to dispense asthma medications and devices is also a factor. Are there accessible pharmacies within the community that are adequately stocked with asthma medications and devices, such as inhalers and nebulizers? The presence of pharmacies with knowledgeable pharmacists who can provide medication counseling and support would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Accessibility to emergency care is also a critical consideration. The proximity to emergency rooms and urgent care facilities that are equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is important. The availability of ambulance services and their response times in the event of an asthma emergency is also a factor.

Finally, the Asthma Score is not static. It should be regularly reviewed and updated as healthcare services evolve. This ongoing assessment provides a valuable tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness in asthma care within Bethel, NC (27812), and for guiding efforts to improve patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and accessible healthcare environment for those living with asthma.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bethel, including physician locations, practice locations, and the proximity of pharmacies and hospitals, consider exploring the power of spatial data. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the factors influencing asthma care in your community.