27922, Cofield, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27922, Cofield, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.78 percent of the residents in 27922 has some form of health insurance. 46.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.64 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 27922 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 154 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27922. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 489 health care providers accessible to residents in 27922, Cofield, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 27922 and Primary Care in Cofield

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care within Cofield, North Carolina, and the surrounding area, specifically targeting the 27922 ZIP code. The goal is to assess the "Asthma Score" – a composite metric reflecting the ease with which asthma patients can access appropriate medical care, including primary care physicians (PCPs), specialized asthma management, and ancillary services.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Determining the exact ratio within 27922 and Cofield necessitates data acquisition from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, insurance provider directories, and potentially the US Census Bureau for population estimates. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a higher ratio would suggest better access. However, simply counting doctors is insufficient. The type of practice, acceptance of insurance plans, and appointment availability all play vital roles.

Standout practices, identified through patient reviews, insurance provider ratings, and community feedback, can significantly elevate the Asthma Score. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to asthma management, perhaps through specialized training for their physicians, dedicated asthma education programs for patients, or readily available peak flow meters and inhaler training. Practices that actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives further enhance their standing. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices provides valuable insights for improving the overall Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Cofield. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, offering patients remote consultations, medication refills, and asthma management education. Practices that embrace telemedicine, providing virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The ease of access to telemedicine platforms, the technical support offered to patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's overall asthma care plan are critical factors.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are integral to patient well-being. Asthma can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, and patients with asthma may experience depression. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through readily accessible referrals, significantly improves the Asthma Score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups specializing in chronic illness. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling into their asthma care protocols demonstrate a comprehensive approach.

Assessing the Asthma Score also involves evaluating the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the wait times for appointments all impact the Asthma Score. A well-coordinated system of care, with seamless communication between PCPs and specialists, is essential for optimal asthma management.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacy services, affects the Asthma Score. Respiratory therapists can provide breathing treatments and education on proper inhaler technique. Asthma educators can empower patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively. Convenient access to pharmacies, offering a wide selection of asthma medications and providing medication counseling, is also crucial.

The insurance landscape within 27922 and Cofield significantly influences the Asthma Score. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, impacts access to care for a large segment of the population. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, or offer affordable payment options, contribute to a higher Asthma Score. The complexity of navigating the insurance system and the availability of patient navigators to assist with insurance-related issues are also important considerations.

Data on asthma prevalence within the 27922 ZIP code would provide context for the analysis. Higher asthma prevalence necessitates a robust healthcare infrastructure. Public health data, such as asthma hospitalization rates and school absenteeism due to asthma, can also inform the Asthma Score assessment. This data helps identify areas where asthma management efforts need to be intensified.

The overall Asthma Score for 27922 and Cofield is a composite of these factors. A high score indicates excellent access to quality asthma care, with a sufficient number of PCPs, readily available specialists, telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and a supportive healthcare ecosystem. A low score suggests significant challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to uncontrolled asthma, frequent exacerbations, and a diminished quality of life for patients.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27922 and Cofield, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can display the locations of physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and other relevant healthcare providers, overlaid with demographic data and asthma prevalence information. This visual representation provides a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare access, identifying gaps in care, and developing strategies to improve the Asthma Score.