27847, Kelford, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27847, Kelford, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.10 percent of the residents in 27847 has some form of health insurance. 71.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.08 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 27847 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 203 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27847. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 267 health care providers accessible to residents in 27847, Kelford, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kelford, NC (ZIP Code 27847)

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 27847, encompassing the Kelford area, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must assess physician availability, quality of care, and the integration of resources crucial for effective asthma management. The following analysis provides an "Asthma Score" framework, evaluating key factors and offering insights into the current landscape.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

The cornerstone of asthma management is accessible primary care. In Kelford, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma control. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potentially limited access to timely appointments, routine check-ups, and proactive asthma management plans. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater availability, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. Publicly available data on physician density and patient demographics within 27847 is essential for a precise ratio calculation. However, preliminary research suggests that rural areas often experience a shortage of PCPs. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times, making it challenging for patients to receive prompt care during asthma exacerbations.

**Standout Practices: A Focus on Asthma-Specific Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several criteria. These include:

* **Asthma-Specific Expertise:** Does the practice have physicians with specialized training or certifications in asthma management?
* **Comprehensive Asthma Action Plans:** Do they routinely develop individualized asthma action plans for patients?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide thorough education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques?
* **Regular Monitoring:** Do they implement regular follow-up appointments and pulmonary function testing to monitor asthma control?
* **Coordination of Care:** Does the practice effectively coordinate care with pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists when necessary?

Practices excelling in these areas are likely to achieve better asthma control rates and improve patient quality of life. While specific practice names are not readily available for this analysis, the presence of these elements would significantly elevate a practice’s "Asthma Score."

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance:**

Telemedicine offers a crucial solution in rural areas like Kelford, where geographic barriers can hinder access to care. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices within 27847 is a critical factor in the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Utilizing wearable devices or home spirometry to track lung function and identify potential exacerbations.
* **Education and Support:** Providing online educational resources and support groups for asthma patients and their families.

Practices embracing telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. The level of telemedicine integration significantly impacts the "Asthma Score," reflecting the practice’s commitment to accessible and innovative care delivery.

**Mental Health Resources: An Integrated Approach:**

Asthma is often associated with anxiety and depression, impacting disease management and quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare ecosystem is crucial for comprehensive asthma care. This includes:

* **On-site Mental Health Professionals:** Practices with integrated mental health providers can offer convenient access to counseling and therapy.
* **Referral Networks:** Strong referral networks to mental health specialists, including psychiatrists and therapists, are essential.
* **Education and Screening:** Routine screening for anxiety and depression, coupled with patient education on the link between mental health and asthma, is vital.
* **Support Groups:** Access to asthma-specific support groups, either in-person or online, can provide valuable peer support and coping strategies.

The presence and accessibility of these mental health resources directly influence the "Asthma Score," emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to asthma care.

**"Asthma Score" Ranking Framework:**

The "Asthma Score" for doctors in 27847 would be determined by a weighted assessment of the factors discussed above. A preliminary framework could be:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** (Weight: 20%) – Higher ratios receive a higher score.
* **Asthma-Specific Expertise:** (Weight: 25%) – Practices with specialized training and demonstrated asthma management protocols receive higher scores.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** (Weight: 25%) – Practices with robust telemedicine infrastructure and utilization receive higher scores.
* **Mental Health Resources:** (Weight: 30%) – Practices with integrated or readily accessible mental health services receive higher scores.

Each factor would be assigned a numerical score based on available data and observations. The weighted sum of these scores would determine the overall "Asthma Score" for each practice or the overall area.

**Conclusion:**

Asthma management in Kelford (27847) requires a multifaceted approach. While a detailed analysis requires specific data on physician availability, practice characteristics, and resource integration, the framework outlined provides a basis for assessing the quality of care. By focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, asthma-specific expertise, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This analysis highlights the need for continued efforts to improve access to care, promote patient education, and integrate mental health services to optimize asthma outcomes for the residents of Kelford.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability within ZIP Code 27847, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare landscape, aiding in informed decision-making and resource allocation.