28080, Iron Station, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28080, Iron Station, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 28080 has some form of health insurance. 32.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.33 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 28080 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,926 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28080. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,131 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,937 health care providers accessible to residents in 28080, Iron Station, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides an assessment of asthma care and primary care accessibility within ZIP Code 28080, focusing on Iron Station, North Carolina. This evaluation considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all relevant to the quality of care for individuals managing asthma.

Iron Station, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of asthma management. Regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education are essential components of effective asthma control. Limited primary care access can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased emergency room visits, particularly for a chronic condition like asthma.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain the healthcare system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. The specific physician-to-patient ratio in Iron Station needs to be examined. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other relevant sources should be used to determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP Code and the estimated population. This ratio provides a baseline for understanding the overall accessibility of care.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma care often employ specific strategies. These include dedicated asthma educators, comprehensive asthma action plans for patients, and readily available resources for managing asthma triggers. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), often provide superior care. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices can benefit the community.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. Remote consultations, medication refills, and educational sessions can be delivered through virtual platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management can provide more convenient and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Iron Station, including the types of services offered and the technologies employed, is crucial to evaluate.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Integrated care models, where mental health services are offered alongside primary care, can improve patient outcomes. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within or near Iron Station is a key consideration. Practices that prioritize mental health screening and referrals for patients with asthma demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

The evaluation of specific practices requires a nuanced approach. Factors beyond physician-to-patient ratios are important. The availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometry testing, is essential for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring. The practice's responsiveness to patient needs, including appointment scheduling and communication, also matters. Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Data sources are critical to this analysis. Information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local healthcare providers should be gathered. Publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau, can provide demographic information. Combining these data sources will allow for a comprehensive assessment of asthma care and primary care availability in Iron Station.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Income levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation can all affect a patient's ability to manage their asthma effectively. Understanding these factors can help identify disparities in care and inform strategies to improve access for vulnerable populations.

The impact of insurance coverage should also be considered. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, can influence a patient's access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more likely to serve a diverse patient population.

The analysis should also consider the community's infrastructure. The presence of urgent care facilities and hospitals within a reasonable distance is crucial for managing asthma exacerbations. The availability of pharmacies for medication refills is also a key factor.

The overall assessment should strive to provide a clear and concise picture of the healthcare landscape in Iron Station. The goal is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The analysis should offer actionable recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

Finally, a strong conclusion will summarize the key findings and offer recommendations. The conclusion should emphasize the importance of improving access to care, promoting patient education, and integrating mental health services. The analysis should also highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that asthma care is meeting the needs of the community.

For a dynamic, visually driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Iron Station, including the geographical distribution of healthcare providers and the accessibility of resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within ZIP Code 28080.