27965, Poplar Branch, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27965, Poplar Branch, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.22 percent of the residents in 27965 has some form of health insurance. 62.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.28 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 27965 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27965. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 27965, Poplar Branch, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Poplar Branch, NC (ZIP Code 27965)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically concerning asthma management, within Poplar Branch, North Carolina (ZIP code 27965), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to establish an “Asthma Score” reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care within this specific geographic area. This score isn't a single number but a comprehensive assessment based on several key factors.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in physician availability. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio in Poplar Branch is crucial. While precise figures require access to proprietary datasets, we can infer general trends. Poplar Branch is a relatively rural area. This often translates to a lower density of physicians compared to more urban centers. The presence of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly important, as they often serve as the first point of contact for asthma management. A low PCP-to-patient ratio, coupled with potential shortages of pulmonologists or allergists, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. The availability of pediatricians is also vital, considering the prevalence of asthma in children.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of existing practices significantly impact the Asthma Score. A high-quality practice will have several attributes. The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) is a major plus. CAEs provide crucial patient education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques. Practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) are generally better equipped to manage patient data, track asthma control, and coordinate care. This facilitates improved communication between providers and patients. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, streamlines the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma. Practices offering extended hours or weekend appointments enhance accessibility, especially for working families.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management reviews, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments, and providing remote monitoring devices would receive a higher score. The availability of telemedicine services from specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is particularly beneficial, as it reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.

The integration of mental health resources is an increasingly important consideration in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services would receive a higher score. This could include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, or the use of validated mental health screening tools. The ability to address both the physical and psychological aspects of asthma care is essential for comprehensive patient management.

Identifying "standout practices" within Poplar Branch requires more in-depth research, including patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially direct contact with healthcare providers. However, we can hypothesize some characteristics that would elevate a practice's Asthma Score. A practice with a dedicated asthma clinic, staffed by CAEs and equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, would be highly regarded. Practices actively involved in asthma research or community outreach programs would also earn high marks. The presence of multilingual staff, catering to the diverse needs of the community, would further enhance the practice's score.

The specific “Asthma Score” for Poplar Branch, NC, would be derived from a weighted average of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratio would carry a significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access. Practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration would contribute to the score, with each factor weighted based on its perceived impact on patient outcomes. A higher score would indicate greater accessibility, higher quality of care, and a more comprehensive approach to asthma management. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine adoption, or a lack of mental health resources.

Assessing the availability of primary care in Poplar Branch is directly linked to the Asthma Score. PCPs are often the first line of defense for asthma management. Their availability and the quality of their services directly influence the care asthma patients receive. A robust primary care system, characterized by sufficient physician numbers, well-equipped practices, and accessible appointment scheduling, is essential for a high Asthma Score. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs, long wait times for appointments, or a lack of specialized asthma expertise within primary care would negatively impact the score. The ability of PCPs to effectively manage asthma, refer patients to specialists when necessary, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers is crucial.

In conclusion, evaluating the Asthma Score for Poplar Branch, NC, requires a detailed assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration. The resulting score provides a valuable snapshot of the accessibility and quality of asthma care within this community. This information is vital for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve asthma management and patient outcomes.

For a more granular, data-driven understanding of healthcare accessibility in Poplar Branch and surrounding areas, including detailed physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a visual representation of the data, offering insights that go beyond simple statistics.