27890, Weldon, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27890, Weldon, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.20 percent of the residents in 27890 has some form of health insurance. 48.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.43 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 27890 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 697 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27890. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 347 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 383 health care providers accessible to residents in 27890, Weldon, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 27890 & Weldon Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma patients in ZIP code 27890, encompassing Weldon, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, their practices regarding asthma management, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial factors in an asthma patient's overall well-being. We'll assess these aspects to construct an 'Asthma Score' for the area.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible primary care. Weldon, a relatively rural area, faces potential challenges in this regard. A low physician-to-patient ratio is a significant concern. The ideal ratio, where physicians can adequately manage patient loads, might be difficult to achieve. This necessitates a closer look at the actual number of primary care physicians practicing within the 27890 ZIP code and their individual patient loads. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be essential to determine these figures.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Practices should be evaluated on their asthma management protocols. This includes adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, regular patient education on asthma triggers and medication usage, and the availability of spirometry testing for accurate diagnosis and monitoring. Practices that proactively engage in patient education, offer personalized asthma action plans, and provide timely follow-up appointments would score higher on the 'Asthma Score.'

Telemedicine adoption represents a critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas where geographic barriers can hinder access to care. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations for asthma management and medication refills, can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments and routine check-ins, should be recognized. Examining the extent to which local primary care physicians utilize telemedicine platforms is vital to the 'Asthma Score' assessment.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and effective asthma management requires addressing these aspects. The presence of mental health resources within primary care practices or easily accessible referrals to mental health professionals is a crucial factor. Practices that integrate mental health screening and offer access to counseling or therapy services for asthma patients would receive a higher score. This includes assessing the availability of mental health providers in the Weldon area and the ease with which patients can access these services.

Standout practices within the 27890 ZIP code deserve specific recognition. These practices may demonstrate exceptional asthma management protocols, innovative use of telemedicine, or a strong focus on patient education and mental health support. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices can serve as a model for other healthcare providers in the area. This involves a review of patient testimonials, peer reviews, and potentially, interviews with healthcare professionals to gain insights into the practices that excel in asthma care.

The 'Asthma Score' for 27890 will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, with a lower ratio (more physicians per patient) contributing to a higher score. Adherence to asthma management guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will also be weighted heavily. The identification of standout practices will further enhance the overall score, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in asthma care.

The final 'Asthma Score' will provide a comprehensive overview of asthma care in Weldon. It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare practices and the evolving needs of the community.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Access to affordable healthcare, transportation, and healthy housing are critical determinants of asthma control. The 'Asthma Score' will incorporate these factors to provide a more holistic assessment of the challenges faced by asthma patients in Weldon. This may include analyzing data on poverty rates, housing quality, and access to public transportation.

Further research could involve a patient survey to assess their experiences with asthma care in Weldon. This would provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, perceived quality of care, and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Such surveys can capture the patient perspective, providing a more complete understanding of the asthma care landscape.

Finally, the 'Asthma Score' analysis will be a dynamic tool, constantly evolving as new data becomes available and healthcare practices adapt to changing needs. This ongoing assessment will help ensure that asthma patients in Weldon receive the best possible care.

To visualize the distribution of primary care physicians, mental health resources, and other relevant data points within the 27890 ZIP code and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to overlay various datasets, providing a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape.