27953, Manns Harbor, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27953, Manns Harbor, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.12 percent of the residents in 27953 has some form of health insurance. 42.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.59 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 27953 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27953. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 197 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 840 health care providers accessible to residents in 27953, Manns Harbor, North Carolina.

Asthma management in Manns Harbor, North Carolina (ZIP code 27953), presents a multifaceted challenge. Analyzing the "Asthma Score" for local doctors and primary care availability requires a deep dive into several crucial factors. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in effective asthma care.

The foundation of any asthma score assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Manns Harbor, being a relatively small community, likely faces constraints in the number of primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio, where a doctor is responsible for a large patient population, can strain resources and potentially impact the quality of care. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and challenges in providing proactive asthma management. Data on physician density, specifically the number of primary care physicians per 1,000 residents, is vital. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can offer a preliminary estimate. Further research, including contacting local healthcare providers, is needed to ascertain the precise ratio within ZIP code 27953.

Evaluating the performance of individual practices is essential for creating an accurate asthma score. This involves assessing several key metrics. First, the utilization of evidence-based asthma guidelines is paramount. Does the practice consistently adhere to national guidelines for asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management, such as those provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? Second, the practice's patient outcomes are crucial. This includes monitoring the rates of asthma exacerbations (hospitalizations, emergency room visits), medication adherence, and overall symptom control. Data on these outcomes can often be obtained from insurance providers, hospital systems, and potentially from the practices themselves, although patient privacy regulations must be strictly observed. Third, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is critical. If these specialists are limited in the area, it could impact the asthma score.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in modern healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Manns Harbor. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. It can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adherence. An assessment of telemedicine adoption should consider the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with data transmission), and the practice's technical infrastructure to support these services. Practices with robust telemedicine programs will likely receive a higher asthma score.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as integral to overall health, including asthma management. Asthma can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a critical component of the asthma score. This includes access to mental health professionals (therapists, psychiatrists), support groups, and educational resources. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide or facilitate access to mental health services will be viewed favorably.

Standout practices within Manns Harbor, if any, would demonstrate excellence across all these areas. They would likely have a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, strong adherence to asthma guidelines, positive patient outcomes, a well-developed telemedicine program, and robust mental health support. Identifying these practices requires a combination of data analysis, patient feedback (if available), and potentially expert consultation. A practice that actively invests in patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques, would also receive a higher score.

The process of creating an asthma score is complex and requires a multi-pronged approach. Data collection from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, and patient feedback, is essential. The analysis must consider the unique characteristics of the Manns Harbor community, including its demographics, socioeconomic factors, and access to transportation. The final asthma score should be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality of asthma care available in the area.

The limitations of this analysis are significant. Publicly available data may be limited, and obtaining specific information from individual practices can be challenging due to privacy concerns and the proprietary nature of some data. Furthermore, the asthma score is only a snapshot in time. Healthcare delivery is constantly evolving, and the score would need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Manns Harbor, NC (27953), demands a comprehensive approach. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality of care, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to identify areas for improvement and to promote the delivery of high-quality asthma care for the residents of Manns Harbor.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and potentially identify areas of need within Manns Harbor and surrounding areas, explore the power of spatial data analysis. Use CartoChrome maps to gain deeper insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, patient populations, and environmental factors that can influence asthma prevalence and severity.