28128, Norwood, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28128, Norwood, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.98 percent of the residents in 28128 has some form of health insurance. 35.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.21 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 28128 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,559 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28128. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,245 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 28128, Norwood, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Norwood, NC (ZIP Code 28128)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for asthma patients in Norwood, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28128) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an “Asthma Score,” considers several key factors impacting patient care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, enabling informed decisions for residents and healthcare providers alike.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Norwood, a relatively small town, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to more urban centers. Determining the precise ratio requires analyzing data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the North Carolina Medical Board. This investigation would reveal the number of practicing PCPs within the 28128 ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in managing asthma exacerbations.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are crucial. Are the practices accepting new patients, particularly those with chronic conditions like asthma? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' needs? Do they have specialized staff, such as certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists, who can provide tailored asthma management strategies? The presence of these resources significantly elevates the quality of care. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is a critical factor. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between providers, allow for better tracking of patient history and medication adherence, and improve care coordination. Practices with advanced EHR systems often demonstrate a higher level of patient care.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages: it reduces the need for in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas; it allows for more frequent monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence; and it can improve patient education and self-management skills. The "Asthma Score" would assess the extent to which practices in 28128 offer telemedicine options, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals for accessing information and communicating with their providers.

Asthma often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an integral part of comprehensive asthma care. The "Asthma Score" would evaluate the presence of mental health providers (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community and the extent to which primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive holistic care addressing both their physical and mental well-being.

Identifying standout practices within the 28128 ZIP code is essential. This involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction, adherence to asthma guidelines, and outcomes data. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, provide comprehensive asthma management plans, and actively engage patients in their care would receive higher scores. This evaluation would likely involve analyzing publicly available data, patient reviews, and potentially, conducting surveys to gather insights from the community.

The "Asthma Score" also considers the availability of urgent care facilities and emergency rooms within a reasonable distance. Asthma exacerbations can require immediate medical attention, and timely access to these services is crucial. The proximity of these facilities, their staffing levels, and their capacity to handle asthma-related emergencies would be factored into the overall score.

In summary, the "Asthma Score" for Norwood, NC (28128) is a composite measure reflecting the quality and accessibility of asthma care. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of urgent care and emergency services. A high score indicates a strong healthcare environment for asthma patients, while a lower score highlights areas for improvement. The ongoing monitoring and evaluation of these factors are essential for ensuring that residents of Norwood receive the best possible care. This analysis provides a snapshot, and the situation is constantly evolving.

To visualize and further analyze this data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer powerful tools for mapping healthcare resources, visualizing physician distribution, and identifying areas with limited access to care. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Norwood and identify opportunities to improve asthma care.