28170, Wadesboro, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28170, Wadesboro, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.62 percent of the residents in 28170 has some form of health insurance. 48.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.66 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 28170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,515 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28170. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,011 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 582 health care providers accessible to residents in 28170, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Analyzing healthcare access and asthma management in Wadesboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 28170) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll examine physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment. This score will reflect the overall quality of care and accessibility for asthma patients in the area.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Wadesboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Researching the exact ratio for 28170 is crucial. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide this information. We need to determine the number of active, practicing PCPs within the zip code, and correlate that to the population size.

Once the physician-to-patient ratio is established, the analysis must delve into the characteristics of the existing primary care practices. Are these practices accepting new patients? Do they specialize in pediatric care, crucial for treating childhood asthma? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Examining the availability of after-hours care or on-call physicians is also important, as asthma exacerbations can occur at any time. Practices with extended hours or affiliations with urgent care facilities improve patient access.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Wadesboro's primary care practices is a key indicator of asthma care accessibility. Do the practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication management? Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from the clinic. Furthermore, the availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, can empower patients to manage their asthma proactively and allow physicians to intervene quickly if symptoms worsen.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the ‘Asthma Score.’ Do primary care practices in Wadesboro have integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or counselors? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community? The ability to address the psychological aspects of asthma care contributes to improved patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Identifying standout practices within the 28170 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. This involves researching practices that have demonstrated a commitment to asthma management. This can be evidenced by their participation in quality improvement programs, their use of evidence-based guidelines, and their patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively educate patients about asthma triggers, medication adherence, and self-management techniques are likely to achieve better outcomes. Reviewing online patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at different practices.

Assessing the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is also critical. While PCPs manage the majority of asthma cases, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require specialized care. Determining the proximity of specialists to Wadesboro and the ease of referral pathways from primary care practices is essential. Long travel distances or lengthy wait times for specialist appointments can negatively impact the ‘Asthma Score.’

To calculate the ‘Asthma Score,’ we need to assign weighted values to each of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices would each contribute to the overall score. A high score would indicate excellent access to care, comprehensive asthma management, and a supportive healthcare environment. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, or integrating mental health support.

The final ‘Asthma Score’ would be a numerical representation of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Wadesboro. It would allow for a comparative analysis with other communities and serve as a benchmark for monitoring progress over time. The score could be used to advocate for improvements in healthcare resources and to inform patients about the best options for their asthma care needs. The availability of this information could also be used to attract new healthcare providers to the area, thereby improving the overall health of the community.

The analysis must also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and poor housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Understanding the prevalence of these factors in Wadesboro is essential for developing targeted interventions. Collaborating with community organizations to address these social determinants of health can significantly improve asthma management.

The ‘Asthma Score’ is not just a numerical value; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. By systematically evaluating the various components of asthma care, we can identify strengths and weaknesses, and work towards creating a healthier environment for all. The score is only as good as the data that supports it.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wadesboro, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and pharmacies, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a detailed overview of healthcare resources and aid in understanding the geographical distribution of care. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the information collected and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.