27885, Swanquarter, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27885, Swanquarter, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.77 percent of the residents in 27885 has some form of health insurance. 50.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.26 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 27885 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 58 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27885. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 353 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 36 health care providers accessible to residents in 27885, Swanquarter, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27885 and Primary Care in Swanquarter

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 27885, encompassing Swanquarter, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider factors beyond simply the number of physicians. The quality of asthma care, the accessibility of primary care, and the availability of supporting resources all contribute to a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment. This analysis will delve into these crucial aspects, painting a picture of the healthcare environment for individuals managing asthma in this rural coastal community.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational element. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can significantly impact asthma management. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for regular check-ups, and difficulty accessing timely care during asthma exacerbations. While publicly available data provides general population figures, a granular analysis, including specialist availability (specifically pulmonologists and allergists), is critical. The presence of these specialists is particularly important for effective asthma management, as they possess specialized knowledge and diagnostic capabilities. Without this data, we can only speculate on the impact of physician scarcity on asthma patients.

Primary care availability in Swanquarter, the heart of ZIP Code 27885, is of paramount importance. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. The geographic distribution of PCPs, their acceptance of new patients, and their ability to provide comprehensive asthma education are key considerations. A limited number of PCPs, coupled with long travel distances for appointments, can create significant barriers to care, potentially leading to uncontrolled asthma and increased emergency room visits.

Standout practices within the area warrant specific attention. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care, such as those utilizing evidence-based guidelines, offering patient education programs, and employing asthma-specific care coordinators, is crucial. These practices often exhibit superior outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations and improved quality of life for their patients. Analyzing patient reviews, assessing the availability of asthma-specific services (e.g., peak flow meter training, inhaler technique demonstrations), and evaluating the practice's integration of asthma management protocols are all essential components of this evaluation.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas like Swanquarter. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and providing convenient access to care. Evaluating the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication refills, asthma education), is critical. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can potentially mitigate the challenges posed by physician shortages and geographic limitations. The availability of reliable internet access for patients is a critical factor in telemedicine's success, and this must be considered in the overall assessment.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they play a significant role in patient outcomes. Asthma can be a chronic and debilitating condition, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma care protocols demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient well-being. Assessing the accessibility of these resources, including the availability of mental health professionals who specialize in chronic illness, is vital for a complete evaluation.

The "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 27885 must also consider the availability of community resources. This includes access to pharmacies with a wide selection of asthma medications and devices, support groups for asthma patients and their families, and educational programs offered by local organizations. The presence of these resources can empower patients to take an active role in managing their asthma and improve their overall quality of life. Furthermore, the local health department's involvement in asthma prevention and management initiatives should be assessed.

Data on the local prevalence of asthma, including the rates of asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, would provide further insights into the severity of the problem in this community. This data, combined with information on the factors discussed above, would enable a more accurate and nuanced assessment of the healthcare environment for asthma patients in Swanquarter. Without this data, the “Asthma Score” analysis is inherently limited.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 27885 requires a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, including physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support. The challenges posed by rurality and resource limitations must be carefully considered. A detailed analysis, incorporating data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine implementation, mental health support, and community resources, is essential for a complete assessment. This would allow for the development of targeted interventions to improve asthma care and outcomes for residents of Swanquarter.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27885, including the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of pharmacies, and the availability of community resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access and identifying areas where improvements are needed.