27843, Hobgood, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27843, Hobgood, North Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.25 percent of the residents in 27843 has some form of health insurance. 50.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.20 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 27843 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 147 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27843. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 175 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 320 health care providers accessible to residents in 27843, Hobgood, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hobgood, NC (ZIP Code 27843)

Analyzing asthma care availability and quality within ZIP Code 27843 (Hobgood, NC) requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all factors influencing an "Asthma Score" reflecting patient access and care quality. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, understanding the nuances of healthcare delivery in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment rests on physician availability. In Hobgood, a rural community, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a critical factor. Without concrete data, it's reasonable to assume that the ratio is less favorable than in more urban centers. This potentially limits access to timely appointments, exacerbating asthma management challenges. Identifying the precise number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists practicing within or serving this ZIP code is the initial step. Publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and local health department records should be consulted to ascertain this crucial information. The Asthma Score will be significantly impacted by these numbers.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the medical practices serving Hobgood are paramount. Are there any standout practices within the area? Practices that prioritize asthma management often implement evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, and provide robust follow-up care. These practices would significantly elevate the Asthma Score. Conversely, practices with limited resources, longer wait times, and a less-structured approach to asthma management would lower the score. Researching practice websites, reading patient reviews (while considering their inherent subjectivity), and contacting local health advocacy groups are essential steps in assessing practice quality.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical consideration, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a lifeline for patients, reducing the need for travel, particularly during exacerbations. Practices utilizing telemedicine for asthma management, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and medication refills, would receive a higher Asthma Score. The availability of these services can dramatically improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Conversely, practices with no telemedicine offerings would be penalized. Determining the extent of telemedicine adoption requires direct contact with local practices and examining their technology infrastructure.

Asthma is a chronic condition often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the burden of managing asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, either within the primary care practices or through referrals to specialists, is a vital component of effective asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment options, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, would significantly enhance the Asthma Score. The absence of such resources would be a major concern.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should reflect the availability of patient education resources. Do practices provide educational materials about asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency action plans? Are there asthma support groups or educational programs available in the community? Practices that actively engage in patient education demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. The presence or absence of these resources is a crucial factor.

The assessment must also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While PCPs are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of pulmonologists, the ease of referral processes, and the wait times for specialist appointments are all critical factors. Limited access to specialist care would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

To conduct a thorough analysis, a detailed data collection process is essential. This involves:

* **Physician Directory Research:** Identifying all PCPs and pulmonologists practicing within ZIP Code 27843 or serving patients in that area.
* **Practice Website Analysis:** Examining practice websites for information on services offered, telemedicine adoption, patient education programs, and mental health resources.
* **Patient Review Analysis:** Reviewing patient reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Healthgrades, and Vitals (while acknowledging their limitations).
* **Direct Contact with Practices:** Contacting practices to inquire about their asthma management protocols, telemedicine offerings, and mental health integration.
* **Local Health Department Consultation:** Consulting with the local health department for information on community resources, asthma education programs, and public health initiatives.
* **Insurance Provider Directory Review:** Examining insurance provider directories to assess the network of physicians available to patients in the area.

The Asthma Score itself could be constructed using a weighted scoring system. Each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education, specialist access) would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The practices would be scored on each factor, and the weighted scores would be aggregated to produce an overall Asthma Score. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-100), with higher scores indicating better access and quality of asthma care.

The resulting analysis should provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Hobgood. It should identify areas where access and quality are strong and highlight areas where improvements are needed. The analysis should also inform strategies for improving asthma care in the community, such as advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources.

This detailed analysis, incorporating the factors discussed, would provide a robust Asthma Score for Hobgood, NC (27843). However, the dynamic nature of healthcare necessitates continuous monitoring and updates. The availability of physicians, practice characteristics, and telemedicine offerings can change rapidly. Regular reassessment is crucial to maintain an accurate and relevant Asthma Score.

**Want to visualize this data and see how it compares to other areas? Explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution within ZIP Code 27843 and beyond. Contact CartoChrome today to unlock the power of location intelligence for a healthier community.**