28017, Boiling Springs, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28017, Boiling Springs, North Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.01 percent of the residents in 28017 has some form of health insurance. 7.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.86 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 28017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 141 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28017. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 862 health care providers accessible to residents in 28017, Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 28017 & Primary Care in Boiling Springs

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Boiling Springs, North Carolina (ZIP code 28017) necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of support services. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating key factors influencing asthma management within the community.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A robust PCP network acts as the initial point of contact, providing diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing monitoring. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally translates to greater accessibility and potentially more individualized care. However, simply counting physicians isn't enough. We must consider the types of practices, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans.

Boiling Springs, being a relatively small community, might present challenges in terms of physician density. The presence of larger healthcare systems or affiliated practices can significantly influence the overall accessibility of primary care. These systems often offer a broader range of services and resources, including specialized asthma clinics or programs. Investigating the affiliations of local practices is therefore essential.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. This includes their knowledge of current asthma guidelines, their willingness to provide patient education, and their ability to effectively manage asthma exacerbations. Assessing this requires examining patient reviews, practice accreditations, and any specialized training or certifications held by the physicians. Are they actively involved in continuing medical education related to respiratory illnesses? Do they have established protocols for asthma management, including written asthma action plans for their patients?

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in enhancing asthma care, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, facilitating medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and follow-up appointments. This can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the types of platforms used and the availability of virtual appointments, is critical.

The mental health aspect of asthma care is often overlooked, yet it's undeniably important. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a vital component of a comprehensive asthma care program. Does the primary care network have integrated mental health services, or do they offer referrals to external providers? Are there local support groups specifically for individuals with asthma?

Standout practices within the 28017 ZIP code should be identified based on their commitment to comprehensive asthma care. These practices may demonstrate excellence in several areas, including patient education, proactive asthma management, and integration of mental health services. They might also excel in telemedicine adoption, patient satisfaction, and participation in asthma-related research or community outreach programs. Identifying these practices can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and potentially improve their asthma outcomes.

Furthermore, examining the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is necessary. While PCPs are the first line of defense, specialists are often needed for complex cases or for patients who are not responding well to standard treatments. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists can significantly impact the quality of care received by asthma patients.

To conduct a thorough analysis, a detailed review of local healthcare providers is required. This involves gathering information from various sources, including insurance provider directories, online physician review platforms, and healthcare system websites. The collected data should then be analyzed to create an "Asthma Score" that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community.

This "Asthma Score" can be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, identify areas for improvement in asthma care, and allocate resources to address unmet needs. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other key factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Boiling Springs.

The availability of primary care is a crucial component of asthma care, but it is not the only factor. The integration of mental health resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of specialized asthma care are also essential. A comprehensive assessment of these factors is necessary to determine the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community.

Ultimately, improving asthma care in Boiling Springs requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, patients, and the community. By working together, we can ensure that all individuals with asthma have access to the care and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. This requires a continuous process of evaluation, improvement, and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the community.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in 28017 and beyond, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides valuable insights into healthcare access, physician distribution, and other relevant data points, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.