28072, Granite Quarry, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28072, Granite Quarry, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.04 percent of the residents in 28072 has some form of health insurance. 29.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.63 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 28072 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28072. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 114 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,234 health care providers accessible to residents in 28072, Granite Quarry, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses asthma care quality and primary care accessibility in Granite Quarry, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28072), focusing on the availability and quality of care for asthma sufferers. This evaluation incorporates factors influencing asthma management, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Granite Quarry, and the surrounding area, are a key indicator of accessibility. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments for asthma patients. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with population estimates from the US Census Bureau, allows for a preliminary assessment of this ratio. However, this must be considered a starting point.

The availability of primary care physicians is particularly relevant. These physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnosis, routine management, and referrals to specialists when necessary. A strong primary care network, characterized by a sufficient number of providers and efficient appointment scheduling, is essential for ensuring timely access to care.

Analyzing individual practices within the 28072 ZIP code reveals variations in their approaches to asthma management. Some practices may stand out due to their specialized asthma clinics, dedicated asthma educators, or participation in asthma-focused research. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care and may offer more comprehensive services, such as pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on-site, which is crucial for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate medication adjustments, provide education on asthma triggers and management techniques, and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to provide more convenient and efficient care.

Mental health support is increasingly recognized as an integral part of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referral networks, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can improve treatment adherence, reduce exacerbations, and enhance overall well-being.

Evaluating the specific practices within Granite Quarry requires an examination of their websites, patient reviews, and publicly available information. Information about the types of services offered, including specialized asthma programs, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health resources, is essential. The practices' commitment to patient education, as evidenced by the availability of educational materials and support groups, is also a key indicator of care quality.

The analysis should also consider the availability of after-hours care and emergency services. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and prompt access to medical attention is crucial. Practices that offer extended hours, on-call physicians, or affiliations with local urgent care centers or emergency departments provide a safety net for patients.

Furthermore, the analysis should incorporate data on medication availability and affordability. Access to essential asthma medications, including both quick-relief and controller medications, is fundamental for effective asthma management. The practices’ ability to assist patients with medication costs, whether through patient assistance programs or other financial resources, is an important aspect of care.

The overall ‘Asthma Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 28072, and primary care availability in Granite Quarry, is complex. It is a composite measure, reflecting a combination of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma services, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, after-hours care, and medication access. Each factor contributes to the overall score, with higher scores indicating better care quality and accessibility.

The assessment of physician-to-patient ratios should be based on the most current data available, considering the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists serving the population of Granite Quarry and the surrounding areas. The availability of specialists is particularly important for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma.

The evaluation of individual practices should focus on their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, their commitment to patient education, and their use of technology to enhance care delivery. Practices that actively participate in asthma-focused research or quality improvement initiatives may demonstrate a higher level of care.

Telemedicine adoption should be assessed based on the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and patient portals. Practices that offer a comprehensive suite of telemedicine services are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care.

The integration of mental health services should be evaluated based on the availability of in-house mental health providers, referral networks, and educational resources. Practices that prioritize mental health are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients.

After-hours care and emergency services should be assessed based on the availability of extended hours, on-call physicians, and affiliations with local urgent care centers or emergency departments. Practices that provide a safety net for patients are essential for effective asthma management.

Finally, medication access should be evaluated based on the practices’ ability to assist patients with medication costs, whether through patient assistance programs or other financial resources. Practices that help patients afford their medications are crucial for ensuring treatment adherence.

This analysis, however, is limited by the availability of public data. A more comprehensive assessment would require direct access to practice-specific information, including patient outcomes data and detailed information on service offerings. Further research and data collection would refine this preliminary evaluation.

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