27855, Murfreesboro, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27855, Murfreesboro, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.42 percent of the residents in 27855 has some form of health insurance. 46.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.25 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 27855 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,148 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27855. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,130 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 249 health care providers accessible to residents in 27855, Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Murfreesboro, NC (ZIP Code 27855)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Murfreesboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27855) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," evaluates the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on its impact on asthma management. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive overview for residents and healthcare providers, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible and responsive primary care. In Murfreesboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, the town, and the surrounding Hertford County, often faces challenges in recruiting and retaining primary care physicians. This scarcity directly impacts asthma patients, as they may encounter longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to regular check-ups, and potential delays in receiving necessary medication adjustments. The limited number of primary care providers also places a strain on existing resources, potentially leading to burnout and reduced capacity to provide comprehensive asthma care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. A high Asthma Score demands a focus on physician expertise in asthma management. This includes a demonstrated understanding of current asthma guidelines, proficiency in diagnosing and treating asthma exacerbations, and a commitment to patient education. Practices that actively participate in asthma-focused continuing medical education (CME) programs and maintain up-to-date knowledge of asthma treatments would score favorably.

Standout practices within the Murfreesboro area would likely demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma care. This includes implementing standardized asthma action plans, providing patient education materials, and offering regular follow-up appointments to monitor asthma control. These practices might also utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, facilitating efficient communication and coordination of care. The integration of asthma-specific protocols within the practice workflow contributes significantly to a higher Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to enhance asthma care accessibility, especially in rural areas like Murfreesboro. Practices that offer telehealth appointments for follow-up visits, medication refills, and asthma education would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel for patients, particularly during asthma flare-ups, and improve adherence to treatment plans. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with digital connectivity, further enhances the potential of telemedicine in asthma management.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma patients often experience anxiety and depression, which can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their asthma care programs would be highly valued. This includes offering on-site counseling services, providing referrals to mental health professionals, and screening patients for anxiety and depression. A holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental well-being is essential for optimal asthma management.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonology services, plays a crucial role. While primary care providers are the first line of defense, access to a pulmonologist for complex cases or uncontrolled asthma is vital. The Asthma Score considers the proximity to pulmonologists and the ease of referral pathways. Practices that have established strong referral relationships with pulmonology specialists would receive a higher score.

Another important consideration is the availability of patient education materials and support groups. Practices that provide educational resources, such as brochures, videos, and online information, empower patients to actively manage their asthma. The presence of asthma support groups in the community offers a valuable opportunity for patients to connect with others, share experiences, and learn coping strategies.

The Asthma Score also assesses the affordability of care. This includes evaluating the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the cost of medications. Practices that prioritize affordability and work to minimize financial barriers to care would receive a higher score.

Moreover, the Asthma Score considers the practice's commitment to quality improvement. This includes participation in quality improvement initiatives, tracking asthma control rates, and using data to identify areas for improvement. Practices that actively seek to improve their asthma care processes demonstrate a commitment to providing the best possible care.

The analysis also examines the practice's responsiveness to patient needs. This includes evaluating the ease of scheduling appointments, the availability of after-hours care, and the responsiveness to patient inquiries. Practices that prioritize patient communication and provide timely access to care would receive a higher score.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Murfreesboro requires a holistic assessment. The Asthma Score considers physician-to-patient ratios, physician expertise, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialized care, patient education, affordability, quality improvement initiatives, and responsiveness to patient needs. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the asthma care landscape in the area.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and environmental factors that influence asthma prevalence and care in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the community and how to improve asthma care.