27925, Columbia, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27925, Columbia, North Carolina is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 68.08 percent of the residents in 27925 has some form of health insurance. 39.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.45 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 27925 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 466 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27925. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 730 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22 health care providers accessible to residents in 27925, Columbia, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Columbia, NC (ZIP Code 27925)

Analyzing asthma care accessibility and quality within Columbia, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27925) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis will delve into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care hinges on accessible primary care. Columbia, a relatively rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a potentially limited pool of primary care physicians. While the exact number of physicians practicing within the ZIP code is difficult to ascertain without specific data, the overall availability of primary care is a critical indicator. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can create bottlenecks, leading to delayed appointments, rushed consultations, and potentially inadequate follow-up care. This can be especially detrimental for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, requiring consistent monitoring and management.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. This data would reveal the number of primary care physicians (including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians) actively practicing within the 27925 ZIP code and compare it to the total population. A favorable ratio, indicating a greater availability of physicians, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Conversely, a less favorable ratio would necessitate strategies to improve access, such as incentivizing physicians to practice in the area or expanding telehealth services.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the availability of specialized asthma care, such as allergists or pulmonologists, although these specialists are often less common in rural areas. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management techniques, would score highly. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and adapting their care based on data, demonstrate a commitment to providing the best possible care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) also plays a crucial role, enabling better coordination of care, improved medication management, and more efficient communication between providers.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility in rural areas like Columbia. Telehealth services can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with physicians for routine check-ups, medication refills, and asthma management education without having to travel long distances. The Asthma Score would be positively impacted by practices that offer telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine in managing asthma.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources plays a significant role in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer or connect patients with mental health services would receive a higher score. This could include on-site mental health professionals, referrals to local therapists or counselors, or access to online mental health resources. Integrating mental health care into asthma management can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, reduce exacerbations, and enhance overall well-being.

Evaluating the availability of mental health resources involves assessing the presence of mental health providers within the community, the ease of access to these services, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and resources for managing stress and anxiety would also contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Columbia, NC (ZIP Code 27925) is determined by a complex interplay of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized asthma care, the adoption of telemedicine, the commitment to patient education, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed data analysis, including the number of physicians, the services offered by local practices, and the availability of mental health resources.

To visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and the availability of mental health services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for mapping and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and to visualize the relationships between different healthcare resources. This can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and inform strategies to improve asthma care accessibility and quality in Columbia, NC.