27889, Washington, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27889, Washington, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.65 percent of the residents in 27889 has some form of health insurance. 43.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.65 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 27889 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27889. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,416 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,272 health care providers accessible to residents in 27889, Washington, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility in Washington, North Carolina, specifically within the 27889 ZIP code, and comparing it to the broader primary care landscape in the city. The objective is to provide a nuanced understanding of healthcare resources available to asthma patients, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

Assessing the quality of asthma care necessitates considering several factors. One crucial element is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A robust PCP network is vital, as PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma management, providing initial diagnoses, medication prescriptions, and referrals to specialists when needed. The physician-to-patient ratio in 27889 is a critical indicator. A high ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Data on this ratio, ideally sourced from the North Carolina Medical Board or similar regulatory bodies, would be essential to establish a baseline.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices and resources available within the primary care settings. Do practices in 27889 routinely adhere to national asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? This could be assessed through examining patient records (with appropriate privacy safeguards) to determine if patients receive regular spirometry tests, are educated on proper inhaler techniques, and have personalized asthma action plans. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within practices is a significant advantage, as these professionals can provide specialized education and support to patients.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in modern healthcare delivery. In the context of asthma, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial. Remote monitoring of peak flow meters, virtual consultations for medication adjustments, and educational sessions can all be delivered remotely, improving access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 27889, and whether they offer such services, is crucial. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the frequency of their use, and patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and asthma is no exception. The chronic nature of asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms and impacting overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is a crucial element of a comprehensive asthma care assessment. This includes evaluating whether practices have in-house mental health professionals, partnerships with mental health providers, or referral pathways for patients needing psychological support. The integration of mental health services into primary care demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Identifying standout practices within 27889 requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves analyzing patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing online reviews, and potentially conducting site visits to assess the quality of care firsthand. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, utilize evidence-based asthma management strategies, and effectively integrate mental health services would be considered exemplary. Publicly available data on patient outcomes, such as asthma exacerbation rates and hospitalizations, could further distinguish high-performing practices.

Primary care availability in Washington, North Carolina, beyond the 27889 ZIP code, warrants a broader perspective. Examining the distribution of PCPs across the city is crucial. Are there underserved areas with limited access to primary care? This requires mapping the locations of primary care practices and comparing them to the population density of different neighborhoods. The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is also significant, as these organizations often serve vulnerable populations and provide crucial access to care.

The overall accessibility of primary care is also impacted by factors beyond the number of physicians. This includes the availability of same-day appointments, the acceptance of various insurance plans (including Medicaid and Medicare), and the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments. Practices that offer these services are more likely to meet the needs of a diverse patient population. Public transportation access to primary care practices is another factor that can influence accessibility, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles.

Data on the prevalence of asthma in the 27889 ZIP code and Washington, North Carolina, is essential for understanding the scope of the need for asthma care. This data, sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, would help contextualize the analysis. A higher prevalence of asthma would necessitate a more robust healthcare infrastructure to meet the demands of the patient population.

Evaluating the effectiveness of asthma management programs and initiatives in Washington is also important. This includes assessing the impact of community-based asthma education programs, school-based asthma management programs, and other initiatives aimed at improving asthma control. The success of these programs can be measured by tracking metrics such as asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and school absenteeism.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility in 27889 and Washington, NC, requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach. This analysis should consider physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to asthma guidelines, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of community resources. The ultimate goal is to identify strengths, pinpoint areas needing improvement, and promote the delivery of high-quality, accessible asthma care for all residents.

To visualize the distribution of primary care resources, assess physician-to-patient ratios, and identify areas with limited access to care in 27889 and the surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform can provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape of Washington, North Carolina.