27979, Sunbury, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27979, Sunbury, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.18 percent of the residents in 27979 has some form of health insurance. 37.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.09 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 27979 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27979. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 152 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 31 health care providers accessible to residents in 27979, Sunbury, North Carolina.

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly for asthma sufferers, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the specific needs of individuals in ZIP Code 27979 (Sunbury, North Carolina) with a focus on primary care and asthma management. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive Asthma Score ranking for physicians and primary care availability.

The foundation of a strong Asthma Score relies on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians. In Sunbury, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed asthma diagnoses and treatment adjustments. Data from state and national databases, such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau, must be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 27979 ZIP code. This ratio is a fundamental metric, influencing the overall score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is crucial. Are the available doctors concentrated in one area, creating a "healthcare desert" for residents in other parts of Sunbury? Or is there a more even spread, ensuring equitable access? The proximity of clinics and practices to residential areas, especially for those with limited transportation options, significantly impacts accessibility. Factors such as public transportation routes and the availability of patient shuttle services must also be considered.

The Asthma Score must also assess the quality of care offered by primary care practices. This involves evaluating their expertise in asthma management. Do the physicians and their staff possess specialized training in asthma diagnosis, treatment, and patient education? Are they familiar with the latest guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? The presence of certified asthma educators within the practice is a strong positive indicator.

Another key component of the Asthma Score is the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment options within the primary care setting. Does the practice have readily available pulmonary function testing (spirometry) to assess lung function? Are they equipped to administer and monitor inhaled medications, including the use of spacers and inhaler technique training? The availability of on-site nebulizer treatments is also a beneficial factor, particularly for managing acute asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Sunbury. The ability for patients to consult with their physicians remotely, via video or phone, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for routine follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. Practices that offer telemedicine services should receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access. The availability of secure online patient portals for communication and prescription refills also enhances the patient experience.

Mental health resources are also essential for asthma management. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The Asthma Score must consider the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referrals to external providers. Does the practice screen patients for mental health issues? Are they able to provide counseling or medication management for patients with co-occurring mental health conditions? Strong integration of mental health services into the asthma care plan is a crucial element.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into specific practices within the 27979 ZIP code. This involves gathering data on patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and adherence to asthma guidelines. Patient reviews, available through online platforms and patient surveys, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. The practices with the highest patient satisfaction scores and evidence of positive clinical outcomes, such as reduced asthma exacerbations and improved lung function, should be recognized as top performers.

In addition, the Asthma Score should also consider the practice's commitment to patient education. Do they provide patients with comprehensive education materials on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques? Are they actively involved in community outreach programs to raise awareness about asthma and promote healthy living? Practices that prioritize patient education and empowerment are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

The overall Asthma Score for each practice should be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor should reflect its relative importance in asthma management. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialized asthma care should be weighted more heavily than the availability of on-site nebulizer treatments.

Ultimately, the goal of the Asthma Score is to provide a transparent and objective assessment of healthcare access and quality for asthma sufferers in Sunbury. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by physicians to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Sunbury, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the population, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence asthma care.