27881, Speed, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27881, Speed, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.35 percent of the residents in 27881 has some form of health insurance. 82.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.59 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 27881 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27881. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 14 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 328 health care providers accessible to residents in 27881, Speed, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 27881 & Primary Care in Speed, NC

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the ZIP code 27881 (likely encompassing the town of Tarboro, NC, and surrounding areas) and the availability of primary care services within the vicinity of Speed, NC, considering factors crucial for effective asthma care. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of good asthma care lies in readily available primary care. In the context of 27881 and Speed, NC, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and potential exacerbations of chronic conditions like asthma. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards should be consulted to determine the actual ratio. This data, however, needs to be interpreted carefully. Simply counting physicians doesn't tell the whole story. It's essential to consider the specialties of those physicians, the number of patients they see, and the hours they are available.

The presence of standout practices significantly impacts the Asthma Score. These practices might be recognized for their expertise in asthma management, their commitment to patient education, or their innovative approaches to care. Identifying these practices involves researching local healthcare providers and looking for indicators such as: the presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists, the use of standardized asthma action plans, the availability of patient education materials, and positive patient reviews. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives would score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in asthma management, especially in rural areas like the vicinity of Speed. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and asthma education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online educational resources, would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments, can reduce the burden on patients and improve adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in asthma management, but it's crucial. Asthma can be a stressful condition, and anxiety and depression can exacerbate symptoms. Practices that recognize this and offer access to mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, would be considered more comprehensive. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. A holistic approach to asthma care, addressing both physical and mental well-being, leads to better outcomes.

Assessing the Asthma Score requires a weighted approach, considering the relative importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio, access to specialized care, telemedicine availability, and mental health integration all contribute to the overall score. The weight assigned to each factor should reflect its impact on patient outcomes. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score more significantly than a lack of telemedicine services if the area already has a limited number of healthcare providers.

To determine the Asthma Score for 27881 and the surrounding area of Speed, a comprehensive data gathering process is necessary. This involves: compiling a list of all primary care physicians and specialists within the area; assessing their patient load and availability; evaluating their adoption of telemedicine; and researching their integration of mental health services. This information can then be used to calculate the score, providing a snapshot of the quality and accessibility of asthma care.

The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the population. Are there high-risk groups, such as children or the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by asthma? Are there environmental factors, such as air quality, that contribute to asthma triggers? Addressing these factors is crucial for developing effective asthma management strategies.

A practice that scores highly on the Asthma Score would likely exhibit the following characteristics: a low physician-to-patient ratio, easy access to specialists, a robust telemedicine program, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to patient education. They would also be actively involved in community outreach and education programs aimed at preventing asthma exacerbations.

In contrast, a practice that scores poorly might struggle with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine options, and a disconnect between physical and mental health care. Such a practice might also lack standardized asthma action plans and patient education materials.

The Asthma Score is not a static metric. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. New technologies, treatment options, and community initiatives can all impact the score. Regular assessments allow for continuous improvement and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as poverty, housing conditions, and access to transportation can significantly affect asthma outcomes. Practices that are aware of these factors and work to address them through community partnerships and patient support programs would score higher.

Analyzing the Asthma Score provides a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in a specific area. It can be used by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, by patients to make informed choices about their care, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The goal is to create a healthcare environment that supports effective asthma management, reducing the burden of this chronic disease and improving the quality of life for patients. By focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, the Asthma Score analysis provides a framework for achieving this goal.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27881 and the surrounding area, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify patterns and trends.