27818, Como, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27818, Como, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.31 percent of the residents in 27818 has some form of health insurance. 69.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.69 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 27818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 309 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 393 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 160 health care providers accessible to residents in 27818, Como, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the accessibility and quality of asthma care within the specified geographic parameters. We will delve into the physician landscape, particularly in ZIP Code 27818, and assess the availability of primary care services in Como, North Carolina, considering factors crucial for effective asthma management.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible primary care physicians. ZIP Code 27818, encompassing the town of Ahoskie and surrounding areas, requires a thorough examination of its physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is pivotal. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians for the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and compromised ongoing care. Data from reputable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, are essential to establish this ratio accurately. We need to determine the number of active primary care physicians within the ZIP Code and compare it to the total population served. This will provide a baseline understanding of the overall access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, we must investigate the distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in a single practice or hospital system, or are they spread across various locations, offering greater geographical accessibility? This is particularly relevant in a rural area like Ahoskie, where transportation challenges might be a significant barrier for some patients. The physical locations of practices, the availability of public transportation, and the presence of patient parking are all important considerations.

Primary care availability in Como, a smaller community, demands a focused assessment. The presence of any primary care practices needs to be verified. If practices exist, their capacity to accept new patients and their operational hours are key factors. The proximity of Como residents to primary care services in neighboring towns, such as Ahoskie, is also relevant. The availability of emergency medical services and their proximity to Como are also important.

Once we have established the physician-to-patient ratios and geographic distribution, we can assess the quality of care. This involves evaluating the practices' approaches to asthma management. Do they follow established guidelines, such as those from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? The practices' commitment to patient education is also crucial. Do they provide patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their asthma effectively, including proper inhaler technique and trigger avoidance?

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. We must investigate the extent to which practices in ZIP Code 27818 and serving Como residents have adopted telemedicine. Do they offer virtual consultations for routine follow-up appointments or medication refills? Do they use remote monitoring technologies to track patients' symptoms and medication adherence? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for proactive management and early intervention.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. Do the primary care practices in the area have partnerships with mental health providers? Do they offer on-site counseling services? Are they equipped to screen patients for mental health conditions and provide appropriate referrals? Access to mental health services is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. This involves recognizing those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. We need to look for practices that have a strong track record of patient outcomes, positive patient satisfaction scores, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These practices may have implemented innovative approaches to care, such as asthma education programs or remote monitoring systems. They may also have a strong focus on patient-centered care, ensuring that patients feel heard and involved in their treatment decisions.

Evaluating the availability of specialists is also important. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma care, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity of these specialists to ZIP Code 27818 and Como is a factor. The wait times for appointments and the availability of specialized diagnostic tests are also relevant.

Finally, we need to consider the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and asthma educators. These professionals play a vital role in asthma management, providing patients with education, support, and guidance. The presence of these services within the primary care practices or in the surrounding community can significantly enhance the quality of care.

The assessment of asthma care in ZIP Code 27818 and Como necessitates a multifaceted approach. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, geographical accessibility, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialists and ancillary services. This thorough analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identify opportunities for improvement.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. They can help you map physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant factors, providing a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare access and identifying areas of need. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps today.