28097, Locust, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28097, Locust, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.96 percent of the residents in 28097 has some form of health insurance. 35.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.80 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 28097 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,683 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28097. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,501 health care providers accessible to residents in 28097, Locust, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Locust, NC (ZIP Code 28097)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Locust, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28097) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into several key areas, including physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking for the area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is the availability of primary care physicians. In Locust, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. While precise figures fluctuate and require up-to-date data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, a general assessment can be made. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can create challenges for asthma sufferers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding the quality of care available. This involves examining factors beyond simple physician availability. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management often have specialized equipment, trained staff, and established protocols for asthma control. These practices might offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, patient education programs, and readily available asthma action plans. Reviews from patients, both online and through patient satisfaction surveys, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding their asthma care, including effective communication, personalized treatment plans, and proactive follow-up, would likely be considered high-performing.

The adoption of telemedicine has dramatically reshaped healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased accessibility, reduced travel time, and the potential for more frequent monitoring. For asthma patients, this could translate to virtual check-ups, remote monitoring of peak flow readings, and medication management consultations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, may receive higher scores. The success of telemedicine adoption also depends on factors like internet access in the community and the comfort level of both patients and physicians with technology.

The often-overlooked aspect of asthma management is the connection between asthma and mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact a patient's ability to manage their condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a significant factor in the overall quality of asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This integrated approach can lead to improved asthma control and a better quality of life for patients.

To generate an "Asthma Score" for Locust, a weighted system would be employed. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant factor, weighted to reflect its importance in access to care. The presence of standout practices, identified through the criteria mentioned above, would contribute positively to the score. The degree of telemedicine adoption would also be factored in, with practices offering robust telemedicine services receiving higher scores. Finally, the availability of mental health resources, either within the practice or through referrals, would be a critical component. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its perceived impact on asthma care quality, and the overall score would be calculated based on the performance of each practice and the community as a whole.

It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available information and general healthcare trends. A comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed data from individual practices, patient outcomes, and community-level health statistics. However, this framework provides a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Locust and a means of ranking the quality of care.

The "Asthma Score" would not only provide a snapshot of the current state of asthma care but also serve as a benchmark for improvement. By identifying areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed, stakeholders can work together to enhance the quality of care for asthma sufferers in Locust. This could involve initiatives to recruit more primary care physicians, encourage the adoption of telemedicine, and increase access to mental health services.

Further investigation would involve gathering data on specific practices within the 28097 ZIP code. This would involve reviewing online physician directories, patient reviews, and practice websites to assess their asthma-specific services. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and asthma educators would be particularly important. In addition, researching the availability of asthma support groups and educational programs within the community would provide a more complete picture of the resources available to patients.

The final "Asthma Score" would be a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, it would provide a guide to selecting the best possible care. For providers, it would offer insights into areas where they could improve their services and better meet the needs of their patients. This information could be used to advocate for improvements in healthcare access and quality within the Locust community.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape of Locust, including physician locations, practice specializations, and community health data, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.