28120, Mount Holly, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28120, Mount Holly, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.48 percent of the residents in 28120 has some form of health insurance. 31.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.29 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 28120 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,757 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28120. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,401 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,044 health care providers accessible to residents in 28120, Mount Holly, North Carolina.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in Mount Holly, North Carolina (ZIP code 28120) requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score," in this context, isn't a formal, standardized metric. Instead, it's a composite evaluation considering factors crucial for effective asthma management: physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support, all within the context of primary care. This analysis aims to provide a practical assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The foundation of good asthma care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Mount Holly, assessing PCP availability is critical. The physician-to-patient ratio significantly impacts asthma management. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care. This is particularly detrimental for asthma patients, who require regular monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans. Investigating the current ratio for ZIP code 28120, comparing it to state and national averages, is the first step. Public health data and resources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can provide this information. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a high prevalence of asthma in the area (which also needs to be researched), would necessitate a lower "Asthma Score" initially.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices matters. This involves examining factors like the experience of the physicians, their specialization (e.g., board certification in internal medicine or family medicine), and the availability of ancillary services. Do practices offer on-site pulmonary function testing (PFTs)? PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma severity. Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses? These professionals can provide crucial patient education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans. Practices with these resources would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." Reputation is also key; online reviews from patients, while not always definitive, can provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and overall care quality.

Telemedicine is transforming healthcare delivery, and its adoption significantly impacts asthma management. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, or those needing frequent check-ins. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, would receive a higher "Asthma Score." The sophistication of the telemedicine platform also matters. Does it integrate with electronic health records (EHRs)? Does it offer secure messaging and video conferencing? The more integrated and user-friendly the platform, the better.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic, stressful condition, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These issues can worsen asthma symptoms and make it harder for patients to adhere to their treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is crucial. Do practices screen for mental health conditions? Do they have partnerships with mental health professionals? Are mental health services covered by insurance? Practices that proactively address mental health needs would score higher. The integration of mental health services into the asthma care plan, whether through in-house therapists or readily available referrals, is a critical component of comprehensive care.

Specific practices within ZIP code 28120 need individual evaluation. Researching the practices in the area is essential. This includes identifying the physicians, their specialties, and the services they offer. Examining their websites, reading patient reviews, and contacting the practices directly to inquire about their asthma management protocols is vital. Practices that have a dedicated asthma program, employ asthma educators, offer telemedicine options, and have strong mental health support systems would stand out. For example, a practice with a board-certified pulmonologist, a dedicated asthma nurse, and a telehealth platform would receive a significantly higher "Asthma Score" than a practice with limited resources.

The infrastructure of the local healthcare system also plays a role. The proximity to hospitals with specialized pulmonary care units is important. Are there emergency departments readily accessible for asthma exacerbations? The availability of pharmacies with a good supply of asthma medications is also a factor. The overall accessibility and responsiveness of the local healthcare system contribute to the effectiveness of asthma management.

Furthermore, the "Asthma Score" can be influenced by community resources. Are there asthma support groups or educational programs available in the area? Are there initiatives to promote asthma awareness and education in schools and workplaces? Community involvement can empower patients and improve overall asthma outcomes.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for Mount Holly (ZIP code 28120) is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. It considers the availability and quality of primary care, the integration of technology, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall responsiveness of the healthcare system. By carefully evaluating these factors, it's possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in the area. This analysis highlights the importance of access to qualified physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of community resources. To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient needs, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize the data and identify areas where resources are most needed.