27845, Jackson, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27845, Jackson, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.15 percent of the residents in 27845 has some form of health insurance. 28.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.08 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 27845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 456 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27845. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 453 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 467 health care providers accessible to residents in 27845, Jackson, North Carolina.

This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 27845, focusing on Jackson, North Carolina, and its primary care resources. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering various factors that influence the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. This assessment will go beyond simple rankings and offer a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The cornerstone of asthma management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced continuity of care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 27845 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This data, however, needs to be interpreted carefully, accounting for the distribution of PCPs across the ZIP Code and the potential for patients to seek care outside of their immediate geographic area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the availability of primary care is also shaped by the operational characteristics of local practices. Are appointments readily available, or do patients face weeks-long waits? What are the practice’s hours of operation, and do they accommodate after-hours or weekend needs? The responsiveness of the practice to patient inquiries and the efficiency of the appointment scheduling process are also key factors. These elements directly impact the ability of asthma patients to receive timely care, especially during acute exacerbations.

Several practices in the area might distinguish themselves in asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" necessitates a deeper dive into their specific offerings. This includes assessing their expertise in asthma management, their use of evidence-based guidelines, and their commitment to patient education. Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses? Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site? Are they actively involved in patient self-management education, including inhaler technique training and asthma action plan development? Practices demonstrating these characteristics would likely score higher in the "Asthma Score" analysis.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 27845 is a crucial element of the "Asthma Score." Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., through wearable devices), and electronic communication with patients would receive higher scores. This is especially relevant for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and addressing minor asthma flare-ups.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can significantly impact asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. Does the practice have on-site mental health professionals, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers in the community? Are they proactive in screening for mental health issues and integrating mental health support into asthma management plans? Practices that address the mental health needs of their patients would be recognized as providing more comprehensive care.

The "Asthma Score" analysis will also consider the availability of specialized asthma care within the area. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists or allergists is often necessary for patients with more severe or complex asthma. The presence of these specialists within a reasonable travel distance from 27845 is a positive factor. The ability of primary care physicians to readily refer patients to these specialists and to collaborate effectively in the patient’s care is also essential.

Another factor to consider is the availability of asthma education programs and resources in the community. Are there support groups for asthma patients? Are there educational materials available in multiple languages? Are local pharmacies well-stocked with asthma medications and devices? The presence of these resources can empower patients to take a more active role in their own care and improve their overall asthma control.

The "Asthma Score" will not be a static ranking but a dynamic assessment that reflects the ever-changing healthcare landscape. It will be important to update the analysis periodically to account for changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. It is also important to consider patient feedback. Gathering patient satisfaction data and incorporating patient experiences into the assessment can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

The final "Asthma Score" will be a composite measure that incorporates all of the factors discussed above. The score will provide a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in 27845. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed and identify practices that are leading the way in providing high-quality asthma care. The ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of individuals living with asthma in Jackson, North Carolina.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Jackson, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a spatial understanding of the information discussed in this analysis, helping you to visualize the accessibility of care and identify potential gaps in services.