28168, Vale, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28168, Vale, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.95 percent of the residents in 28168 has some form of health insurance. 46.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.73 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 28168 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,714 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28168. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,295 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,140 health care providers accessible to residents in 28168, Vale, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Vale, NC (ZIP Code 28168)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly for a condition like asthma, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28168 ZIP code, encompassing Vale, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas, with a specific focus on asthma management. We will assess factors influencing asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on readily accessible primary care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per PCP, can hinder timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized attention, proactive management, and better patient outcomes. Assessing this ratio within 28168 requires data analysis, considering the total population of the ZIP code and the number of actively practicing PCPs. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau are crucial for this calculation. A high ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score, while a low ratio would contribute positively.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating various aspects of care. This includes the availability of asthma-specific protocols, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma education, offering peak flow meter training, and providing personalized asthma action plans would score favorably. Furthermore, practices actively participating in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives would be considered high-performing, positively influencing the Asthma Score. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice would also be a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption within the 28168 ZIP code is critical. Practices offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring capabilities would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas, potentially reducing the frequency of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The availability of telehealth services, especially during peak asthma seasons, is a key indicator of a practice’s responsiveness and patient-centered approach.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referral networks, would receive a higher score. This integration promotes a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. The accessibility of mental health services within the community, even outside of the primary care setting, contributes to a better overall Asthma Score.

Specifics are essential when evaluating these factors. For example, instead of a general statement about “good patient satisfaction,” the analysis would delve into the specific metrics used to measure patient satisfaction, such as the percentage of patients who report feeling heard, understood, and involved in their care. Instead of stating “telemedicine is available,” the analysis would specify the types of telemedicine services offered, the hours of availability, and the insurance coverage for these services. Instead of a vague reference to “mental health resources,” the analysis would identify specific mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer, and the ease with which patients can access these services.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio requires detailed data. The analysis must account for the number of active, practicing PCPs within the 28168 ZIP code. This includes physicians specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, as these are the primary points of contact for asthma care. The population data from the US Census Bureau provides the denominator for this calculation. A lower ratio, representing a higher availability of PCPs per capita, would positively impact the Asthma Score.

The evaluation of standout practices necessitates a deeper dive into their operational procedures. This includes reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing practice websites for information on asthma management protocols, and potentially conducting interviews with patients and staff. The presence of specialized asthma clinics or dedicated asthma programs within a practice would be a significant positive factor. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track asthma control, medication adherence, and patient outcomes is another important consideration.

Telemedicine adoption is assessed by examining the practices’ technological infrastructure and their approach to virtual care. This includes evaluating the availability of secure video conferencing platforms, the ease of scheduling virtual appointments, and the integration of telemedicine services with the practice's EHR system. The analysis also considers the training provided to physicians and staff on the use of telemedicine technologies. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track peak flow rates or medication adherence, would further enhance the Asthma Score.

The assessment of mental health resources involves identifying the availability of mental health providers within the community, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The analysis would also evaluate the ease of access to these services, including the availability of appointments, the insurance coverage for mental health services, and the presence of any waiting lists. The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting, such as the availability of on-site therapists or integrated behavioral health programs, would be a significant positive factor.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score for Vale, NC (28168) would be a composite metric derived from the analysis of all these factors. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the accessibility and quality of asthma care in the area. This score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to identify areas for improvement and to promote better asthma outcomes.

For a visual representation of these findings, including geographic distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, consider exploring interactive maps.
**Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and visualize the healthcare landscape of Vale, NC, and its surrounding areas.**