27944, Hertford, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27944, Hertford, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.86 percent of the residents in 27944 has some form of health insurance. 49.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.37 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 27944 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27944. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,278 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,210 health care providers accessible to residents in 27944, Hertford, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hertford, NC (ZIP Code 27944)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in Hertford, North Carolina (ZIP code 27944) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible primary care. In Hertford, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Assessing this requires examining the number of practicing physicians within the 27944 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, considering specialization in family medicine or internal medicine, as these are the typical entry points for asthma diagnosis and management. The population of Hertford must then be factored in to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care.

Researching the specific practices within the area is essential. We need to identify the established clinics and medical groups serving the community. Are there any standout practices that have developed specific protocols or programs for asthma management? Do these practices employ certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists who can provide specialized guidance on medication use, environmental control, and asthma triggers? Examining patient reviews and online ratings can also offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, appointment scheduling, and overall satisfaction.

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Hertford is crucial. Do physicians offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication refills, or symptom management? Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to the clinic or who live in rural areas. The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as connected inhalers or peak flow meters, can further enhance asthma management by allowing physicians to track patient symptoms and adjust treatment plans remotely.

Asthma is often associated with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. The chronic nature of the disease, the impact on daily activities, and the potential for exacerbations can contribute to psychological distress. Therefore, evaluating the availability of mental health resources in Hertford is a key element of the ‘Asthma Score’. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, who are readily accessible to patients with asthma? Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or referrals to mental health specialists? Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential for providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of asthma.

Specific practices within the 27944 area warrant closer examination. For example, the Hertford Medical Center, or any other prominent clinic, should be investigated for its asthma management protocols. Does the clinic have a dedicated asthma clinic or a specialized program? Are there educational resources available for patients and their families? The presence of a respiratory therapist on staff would be a significant positive factor, indicating a commitment to specialized asthma care. Furthermore, the clinic's approach to telemedicine should be assessed. Are virtual appointments offered for routine check-ups or medication adjustments?

The physician-to-patient ratio in Hertford is a crucial indicator of access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 27944 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This number must then be compared to the population of Hertford to calculate the ratio. A low ratio suggests a potential shortage of physicians, which could negatively impact the ‘Asthma Score’.

The presence of mental health resources is a significant factor. The availability of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors in the area directly impacts the ‘Asthma Score’. Are there mental health clinics or private practices that accept patients with asthma? Does the local hospital offer behavioral health services? The presence of support groups or educational programs for individuals with asthma and their families would also be a positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption impacts the ‘Asthma Score’. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can improve access to care and enhance asthma management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies are likely to receive a higher score.

The ‘Asthma Score’ is not a single number but a composite assessment based on these factors. The score would be higher for areas with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices with specialized asthma programs, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health resources. Conversely, areas with limited access to primary care, a lack of specialized asthma care, minimal telemedicine integration, and a scarcity of mental health resources would receive a lower score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hertford, visual mapping tools can be invaluable. CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize the distribution of primary care physicians, mental health providers, and other healthcare resources within the 27944 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This visual representation can reveal patterns and disparities in access to care, helping to identify areas where improvements are needed.

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in Hertford, NC, and to gain a visual understanding of the factors influencing the ‘Asthma Score’, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualizing the data can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and advocate for improved access to care in your community.