27863, Pikeville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27863, Pikeville, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.59 percent of the residents in 27863 has some form of health insurance. 30.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.29 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 27863 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,556 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27863. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,528 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,102 health care providers accessible to residents in 27863, Pikeville, North Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care within Pikeville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27863) requires a multifaceted approach, examining physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This analysis will attempt to formulate an ‘Asthma Score’ ranking, although a precise numerical score is challenging without access to proprietary data. Instead, we will offer a qualitative assessment based on available information. The primary focus will be on primary care providers (PCPs) as they are often the first point of contact for asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potential delays in asthma diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of physician density. However, these datasets often lack granular detail at the ZIP code level. Therefore, we must extrapolate. If Pikeville, a relatively small town, mirrors the broader trends in Wayne County, it might face challenges related to physician shortages, particularly in primary care. This impacts asthma care, as regular check-ups and timely interventions are essential for controlling the condition.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in asthma management, are identified by several key indicators. Firstly, a practice's commitment to evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is paramount. This involves using standardized asthma action plans, regularly assessing asthma control, and tailoring treatment to individual patient needs. Secondly, practices that offer comprehensive patient education, including inhaler technique training and environmental control strategies, are highly valued. Thirdly, practices that actively engage with patients, encouraging them to participate in their own care, generally experience better outcomes. Finding specific examples of these practices in Pikeville requires in-depth research, including patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially, direct contact with local providers.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can offer several advantages, including improved access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and provide timely interventions. In Pikeville, the availability of telemedicine services, either through local practices or through partnerships with larger healthcare systems, is a critical factor in our assessment. The extent of telemedicine adoption can be gauged by examining practice websites, inquiring about telehealth options during appointment scheduling, and reviewing patient feedback. The presence of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to providers, would further enhance the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their impact can be significant. Asthma can be associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which can exacerbate symptoms and negatively affect treatment adherence. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or through referrals to external providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources in Pikeville involves researching local mental health clinics, hospitals, and community organizations. It is crucial to determine if PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health specialists and if they routinely screen patients for mental health concerns.

To develop an ‘Asthma Score,’ we would consider the following factors, assigning a qualitative ranking (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) to each:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Assesses the availability of PCPs and specialists.
* **Adherence to Guidelines:** Evaluates the use of evidence-based asthma management protocols.
* **Patient Education:** Examines the provision of asthma education and self-management training.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Assesses the availability and utilization of telehealth services.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Evaluates the availability of mental health resources and referrals.

A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, strong adherence to guidelines, comprehensive patient education, robust telemedicine options, and integrated mental health support would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice lacking in these areas would receive a lower score.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Without access to comprehensive, real-time data, this assessment is based on publicly available information and general trends. A true ‘Asthma Score’ would require detailed data from individual practices, including patient outcomes, resource utilization, and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the availability of services and resources can change rapidly.

However, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating asthma care in Pikeville. By considering the factors outlined above, patients can make more informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improved asthma management in their community. The emphasis should be on finding a PCP who is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, and who is well-equipped to manage asthma effectively.

To explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and hospital facilities, and to visualize the factors discussed above, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and asthma management in your area.