28159, Spencer, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28159, Spencer, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.46 percent of the residents in 28159 has some form of health insurance. 32.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.07 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 28159 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 620 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28159. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 410 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,627 health care providers accessible to residents in 28159, Spencer, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Spencer, NC (ZIP Code 28159)

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within Spencer, North Carolina (ZIP code 28159), evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on resources available to manage asthma. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective asthma management.

Spencer, a town in Rowan County, presents a unique environment for healthcare delivery. Its size and demographics influence the availability of medical services, especially specialized care. The Asthma Score will reflect the town's capacity to provide comprehensive asthma care, from initial diagnosis and treatment to ongoing management and patient support.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. In assessing the Asthma Score, we must consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the population of Spencer and the surrounding areas. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying necessary treatment and exacerbating asthma symptoms. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be essential in determining the current PCP density within the 28159 ZIP code and nearby areas. This data will be compared against national averages to gauge whether Spencer faces a shortage or surplus of primary care providers.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Spencer is a crucial aspect of this analysis. These practices might be recognized for their expertise in asthma management, their patient-centered approach, or their utilization of innovative technologies. Factors to consider include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists, the availability of asthma educators and respiratory therapists, and the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment. Reviews from patients, and data from insurance companies regarding care quality will be examined to identify practices that consistently deliver superior asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a valuable avenue for asthma management, allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely, monitor their symptoms, and receive timely interventions. The Asthma Score will assess the availability of telemedicine services within Spencer, including the number of practices offering virtual appointments, the types of services provided (e.g., medication refills, symptom monitoring, specialist consultations), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve asthma management by reducing the need for in-person visits, especially during times of acute exacerbations or when patients live far from medical facilities.

The connection between mental health and asthma is well-established. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is essential. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within Spencer, including the presence of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses. The analysis will also consider the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with mental health providers to offer integrated care. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients are likely to achieve better outcomes.

The Asthma Score will also consider the availability of asthma education programs and resources. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Patients need to understand their triggers, medications, and self-management strategies. The analysis will examine the availability of asthma education programs within Spencer, including the types of programs offered, the qualifications of the educators, and the accessibility of these programs for patients. Practices that prioritize patient education are better positioned to empower patients to take control of their asthma and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score will reflect the availability of emergency care services. Asthma exacerbations can be life-threatening, and timely access to emergency care is crucial. The analysis will consider the proximity of hospitals and urgent care facilities to Spencer, the availability of emergency room physicians and respiratory therapists, and the protocols in place for managing asthma emergencies. Practices that have established relationships with emergency care providers and have clear protocols for managing asthma emergencies are better prepared to handle acute asthma episodes.

The Asthma Score will also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, some patients may require the expertise of specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists. The analysis will examine the availability of these specialists within Spencer and the surrounding areas, the ease of access for patients, and the collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists. Practices that facilitate referrals to specialists and ensure seamless communication between providers are better positioned to provide comprehensive asthma care.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Spencer, NC (ZIP code 28159) will be a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to manage asthma, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient education programs. The score will reflect the town's capacity to provide effective asthma care, from initial diagnosis and treatment to ongoing management and patient support. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Spencer, allowing for informed decisions about resource allocation and improvements in asthma care.

To visualize this data and understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and hospital accessibility, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping platform allows you to analyze spatial data related to healthcare access, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within Spencer and beyond.