27978, Stumpy Point, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27978, Stumpy Point, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.17 percent of the residents in 27978 has some form of health insurance. 44.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.99 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 27978 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 67 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27978. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 51 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 364 health care providers accessible to residents in 27978, Stumpy Point, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on asthma care within ZIP Code 27978, specifically the area around Stumpy Point, North Carolina. This remote coastal community presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access and quality. We will assess the landscape of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an asthma score assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Stumpy Point, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential difficulties in scheduling appointments, receiving timely care, and establishing ongoing relationships with a consistent provider. Researching the current ratio in 27978 is the initial step. National averages can serve as a benchmark, but the rural nature of this area likely presents a less favorable ratio. This scarcity impacts asthma patients directly, as regular check-ups, medication refills, and prompt responses to exacerbations are essential.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices, ideally, would demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management. This includes offering comprehensive asthma education, developing individualized asthma action plans, and utilizing evidence-based treatment protocols. These practices might also participate in asthma-focused quality improvement initiatives or have staff specifically trained in asthma care. Investigating the practices within or serving 27978 requires examining their online presence, patient reviews, and professional affiliations. Do they have dedicated respiratory therapists or nurses specializing in asthma? Do they offer after-hours care or access to on-call physicians?

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in rural areas like Stumpy Point. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even urgent care consultations. Examining the extent to which practices in and around 27978 utilize telemedicine is important. Do they offer virtual visits? Do they use remote monitoring devices to track patients' lung function? Successful telemedicine implementation can significantly improve asthma control by increasing patient access to care and facilitating prompt intervention when needed.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is mental health. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within or serving 27978 is vital. Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there readily accessible mental health resources in the community? The integration of mental health support can significantly improve asthma outcomes.

To formulate an asthma score, we need to synthesize the information gathered. This involves assigning weighted values to each of the factors discussed: physician-to-patient ratio, presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal asthma control. For instance, a low physician-to-patient ratio might receive a negative weighting, while the presence of a practice with a dedicated asthma program would receive a positive weighting.

The final asthma score would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in 27978. This score could be presented on a scale, such as a percentage or a letter grade. The score provides a snapshot of the current situation, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios must consider the geographic constraints of Stumpy Point. The nearest hospitals and specialist care centers are often a significant distance away. This travel time can be a barrier to care, especially during asthma exacerbations. The score should reflect this challenge.

The presence of standout practices should be assessed based on their commitment to patient education. Asthma education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Practices that provide patients with comprehensive information about their condition, triggers, medications, and self-management strategies are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The score should acknowledge practices that prioritize patient education.

Telemedicine adoption should be evaluated based on its accessibility and user-friendliness. Telemedicine is only effective if patients can easily access and use the technology. Practices that offer user-friendly telemedicine platforms and provide technical support to patients are more likely to see positive results. The score should reflect the ease of access to telemedicine services.

Mental health resource availability should be assessed based on the integration of mental health services into primary care. Integrated care, where mental health professionals work alongside primary care physicians, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. The score should acknowledge practices that offer integrated care.

The overall asthma score should be interpreted within the context of the unique challenges faced by the community of Stumpy Point. Rural communities often have limited resources, and the score should reflect these constraints. However, the score should also highlight opportunities for improvement, such as the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services.

The final asthma score for doctors in ZIP Code 27978, and primary care availability in Stumpy Point, will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It provides a clear picture of the current state of asthma care and identifies areas for improvement. The score can be used to inform decision-making, allocate resources, and improve the health and well-being of asthma patients in this underserved community.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 27978, including the location of practices, physician density, and access to resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial understanding of healthcare access, highlighting areas with limited resources and identifying potential gaps in care.