28146, Salisbury, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28146, Salisbury, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.05 percent of the residents in 28146 has some form of health insurance. 42.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.19 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 28146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,001 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28146. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,934 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,376 health care providers accessible to residents in 28146, Salisbury, North Carolina.

The city of Salisbury, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP code 28146, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning asthma management. An “Asthma Score” analysis, designed to evaluate the quality and accessibility of care, demands a deep dive into several crucial factors. This analysis will focus on primary care physician (PCP) availability, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio within the specified geographic area. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem for individuals managing asthma within this community.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and an overall strain on the healthcare system. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimate of the PCP-to-population ratio in Salisbury. This ratio, however, must be interpreted cautiously, as it doesn't fully capture the complexities of healthcare access. Factors like insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and the distribution of physicians across different specialties can significantly impact the actual patient experience. A low ratio suggests a potential challenge for asthma patients seeking timely appointments and consistent care.

Primary care availability is a critical component of asthma management. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs, coupled with their ability to effectively manage asthma, directly influences the quality of care. Assessing this involves identifying the number of PCPs practicing within 28146, their training and experience in treating asthma, and their willingness to accept new patients. Practices that specialize in respiratory medicine or have a dedicated focus on asthma care would be particularly valuable. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments is also a crucial aspect of accessibility, especially for individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a significant factor in healthcare accessibility, especially in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. In the context of asthma management, telemedicine can be utilized for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in Salisbury involves determining which providers offer virtual consultations, the types of services offered remotely, and the technological infrastructure in place to support telemedicine. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, but they play a crucial role in overall well-being. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to specialists, is therefore essential. This analysis would assess the presence of mental health professionals within the primary care setting, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health services into asthma care plans. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide comprehensive support are highly valued.

Identifying standout practices within the 28146 ZIP code requires a more granular analysis. This involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating the practice's commitment to asthma management. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, provide individualized treatment plans, and actively monitor patient outcomes would be considered standout practices. Furthermore, practices that offer asthma education classes, support groups, and other resources for patients and their families would be highly regarded. Examining the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate communication and care coordination is also important.

The analysis must also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder effective treatment. The analysis should therefore consider the prevalence of these factors within the community and assess the healthcare system's ability to address these social determinants of health. Practices that actively work to connect patients with resources to address these challenges would be considered exemplary. This might include partnerships with community organizations, providing assistance with medication costs, and offering educational programs on healthy living.

The Asthma Score analysis should incorporate data from various sources, including public health data, insurance claims data, and patient feedback. The use of data visualization tools, such as maps, can help to illustrate the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with limited access. The final Asthma Score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare ecosystem for asthma patients in Salisbury, North Carolina, highlighting areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

The analysis should also consider the impact of healthcare policies and regulations on asthma management. Changes in insurance coverage, reimbursement rates, and other policies can significantly impact access to care and the quality of services provided. The analysis should therefore consider the current policy landscape and its potential impact on asthma patients in Salisbury. Practices that are proactive in advocating for policies that support asthma management would be recognized.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score analysis for doctors in ZIP code 28146 and primary care availability in Salisbury, NC, is a multifaceted undertaking. It requires a detailed assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. Identifying standout practices and understanding the policy landscape are also crucial components. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for improvement to ensure that asthma patients in Salisbury receive the best possible care.

For a visual representation of this complex data, including physician locations, resource distribution, and potential access gaps, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping capabilities can transform raw data into actionable insights, helping you to understand the healthcare landscape of Salisbury, NC, and identify areas where resources are most needed.