27891, Whitakers, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27891, Whitakers, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.68 percent of the residents in 27891 has some form of health insurance. 41.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.58 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 27891 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 873 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27891. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 860 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 411 health care providers accessible to residents in 27891, Whitakers, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27891 & Whitakers Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 27891, encompassing Whitakers, North Carolina, and evaluates physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health support, culminating in an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score aims to provide a general understanding of the local healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers and their families.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is access to qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Whitakers, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Determining this ratio requires examining the total number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau provide the foundation for this calculation. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer asthma control. The exact ratio requires up-to-the-minute data, but an estimated ratio can be developed.

Furthermore, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is essential. While primary care physicians often manage the majority of asthma cases, access to specialized care is crucial for complex or severe asthma. The presence of pulmonologists within a reasonable travel distance significantly impacts the Asthma Score. This involves assessing the distance and ease of access to these specialists, considering factors like transportation infrastructure and public transit options.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by local practices is paramount. This involves assessing the adoption of evidence-based asthma management guidelines. Practices that adhere to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines, for example, are more likely to provide comprehensive care, including regular asthma action plans, peak flow meter instruction, and patient education. Reviewing practice websites and publicly available information, and potentially conducting discreet patient surveys (with proper ethical considerations), can provide insights into these practices.

Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. This might include practices with extended hours, offering same-day appointments for acute exacerbations, or providing culturally sensitive care tailored to the specific needs of the community. These practices often prioritize patient education and actively involve patients in their own care.

The integration of technology is increasingly important in modern healthcare, and its impact on asthma management is significant. Telemedicine adoption, for instance, allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The Asthma Score will reflect the degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine platforms.

Another critical aspect is the availability of mental health resources. Asthma is often linked to anxiety and depression, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals contribute positively to the Asthma Score. This includes assessing the availability of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, and the ease with which patients can access these services.

The Asthma Score will also consider the availability of asthma education programs and support groups. These programs empower patients to manage their condition effectively, improve adherence to treatment plans, and reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations. The presence of these resources within the community is a crucial factor in determining the overall quality of asthma care.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score will consider the availability of resources that address the social determinants of health. These factors, such as housing quality, access to healthy food, and environmental hazards, can significantly impact asthma control. Practices that actively address these factors, either through direct services or community partnerships, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Finally, the Asthma Score will incorporate data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. These metrics provide a direct measure of the effectiveness of asthma management within the community. A high rate of hospitalizations and ER visits suggests that asthma control is suboptimal, and the Asthma Score will reflect this.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for ZIP Code 27891 and Whitakers requires a comprehensive analysis of physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, mental health resources, and the overall health of the community. This analysis provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers and their families. The Asthma Score should be viewed as a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare practices and community resources evolve.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Whitakers and surrounding areas, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.