27921, Camden, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27921, Camden, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.57 percent of the residents in 27921 has some form of health insurance. 30.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.83 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 27921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,226 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27921. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 732 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,102 health care providers accessible to residents in 27921, Camden, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Camden, NC (ZIP Code 27921)

Analyzing asthma care within Camden, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27921) necessitates a multifaceted approach, evaluating both the quality of physician services and the accessibility of primary care. This analysis will focus on key metrics to derive an "Asthma Score," considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components for effective asthma management.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Camden, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. This ratio, which represents the number of patients per primary care physician (PCP), directly impacts access to care. A high ratio suggests potential wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient, and potentially, less proactive asthma management. Conversely, a lower ratio indicates greater accessibility, allowing for more frequent check-ups, personalized care plans, and quicker responses to exacerbations. Data on this ratio is essential, and publicly available sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) or the US Census Bureau can offer insights, although specific, real-time figures require more granular data collection.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing several factors. This includes the adoption of evidence-based asthma guidelines, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient management, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively monitor asthma control through regular spirometry testing, provide personalized action plans, and offer patient education on inhaler techniques and environmental triggers are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Patient satisfaction surveys, available through platforms like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or through independent review websites, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Camden. Its adoption in asthma management offers significant benefits. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for stable patients. It also expands access to specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, who may not be readily available in the immediate vicinity. The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in Camden, including the types of services offered and the technologies utilized, is a key factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to demonstrate a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who can address co-existing mental health conditions. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices or referrals to mental health providers in the community significantly enhances the Asthma Score. Investigating partnerships between primary care physicians and mental health providers, the accessibility of mental health services, and the availability of support groups for individuals with asthma are all critical.

Creating a robust Asthma Score requires a weighted approach, assigning different values to each of the aforementioned factors. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio could contribute a significant percentage, reflecting its direct impact on access. The quality of individual practices, including the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, EHR utilization, and patient education programs, would also receive a substantial weight. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources would contribute smaller, but still significant, percentages. The final Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within ZIP Code 27921.

The analysis would also benefit from incorporating data on asthma prevalence rates within the community. This data, obtained from public health sources, would provide context for the demand for asthma care and allow for a more nuanced assessment of the adequacy of existing resources. Furthermore, analyzing the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, such as income levels and access to health insurance, would provide valuable insights into potential barriers to care.

The ideal scenario involves a community where primary care physicians are readily accessible, practice evidence-based medicine, embrace telemedicine, and collaborate with mental health professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care, leading to improved asthma control and a better quality of life.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Camden (27921) requires a comprehensive assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of individual practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identifying areas for improvement. A data-driven approach, incorporating publicly available information and potentially requiring direct surveys of local practices, is essential for creating a meaningful Asthma Score.

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