28173, Waxhaw, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28173, Waxhaw, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.21 percent of the residents in 28173 has some form of health insurance. 18.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.64 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 28173 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 19,695 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28173. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,957 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30,245 health care providers accessible to residents in 28173, Waxhaw, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Waxhaw, NC (ZIP Code 28173)

Waxhaw, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28173), presents a unique landscape for asthma management, influenced by its suburban character, growing population, and evolving healthcare infrastructure. Evaluating the quality of asthma care requires a multifaceted approach, moving beyond simple physician counts to consider accessibility, resource availability, and innovative approaches to patient management. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, focusing on key factors impacting asthma patients within the specified ZIP code.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Waxhaw, experiencing rapid population growth, may face challenges in maintaining optimal physician-to-patient ratios. While precise figures fluctuate, an analysis of local healthcare directories and insurance provider networks suggests a generally adequate, but potentially strained, PCP base. This translates to a moderate score on the "Accessibility" metric. Patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, particularly during peak respiratory illness seasons, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and necessitate urgent care visits.

A critical component of the "Asthma Score" is the availability of specialized asthma care. While a comprehensive assessment requires direct contact with practices, the presence of board-certified pulmonologists and allergists within or near the ZIP code is crucial. These specialists provide advanced diagnostic capabilities, personalized treatment plans, and management of complex asthma cases. The availability of these specialists directly impacts the "Quality of Care" score. A higher concentration of specialists, coupled with a strong referral network from PCPs, would significantly elevate the score. Conversely, limited access to specialists necessitates travel, potentially hindering timely and effective asthma management.

Standout practices within Waxhaw deserve recognition for their commitment to asthma care. Identifying these practices involves examining several factors. Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma management? Do they offer patient education programs, including inhaler technique training and asthma action plan development? Do they actively monitor patient outcomes and adjust treatment plans accordingly? Practices excelling in these areas would receive a higher "Practice Excellence" score. Furthermore, practices employing certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists would significantly enhance their score, providing patients with crucial support and education.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in modern healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages: remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management support. Practices embracing telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits or medication refills, would receive a higher "Technology Integration" score. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically remote areas. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on reliable internet access and patient comfort with technology.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, while these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health resources is, therefore, a crucial component of the "Asthma Score." Practices with integrated mental health services or strong referral networks to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Addressing the psychological aspects of asthma care improves overall patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans.

Beyond direct medical care, the availability of community resources impacts asthma management. Access to affordable medications, through pharmacy options and assistance programs, is critical. Availability of asthma education programs offered by local hospitals or community organizations would also positively impact the "Community Support" score. Furthermore, access to clean air initiatives and environmental awareness programs contributes to a healthier environment for asthma patients.

The "Asthma Score" also considers the prevalence of asthma within the community. This involves analyzing local health data to understand the burden of asthma within the population. Higher prevalence rates necessitate greater resource allocation and a more robust healthcare infrastructure. The demographics of the community, including age and socioeconomic status, also influence the score, as these factors can impact access to care and health outcomes.

Evaluating the performance of individual practices requires a nuanced approach. It’s not simply about the number of physicians or the availability of specialists. It’s about the quality of care provided, the patient experience, and the integration of innovative approaches. This involves assessing patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and control of asthma symptoms. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these factors would receive a higher overall score.

The "Asthma Score" for Waxhaw, NC (28173) is, therefore, a dynamic assessment. It's influenced by the interplay of multiple factors, including physician availability, specialist access, technology adoption, mental health resources, and community support. While the area likely offers adequate primary care, the true strength of asthma care lies in the quality of specialized care, the integration of telemedicine, and the provision of comprehensive support services. Ongoing monitoring and analysis are essential to ensure that asthma patients in Waxhaw receive the best possible care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Waxhaw and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high concentrations of physicians, specialists, and other resources. This can assist in making informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.