28217, Charlotte, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28217, Charlotte, North Carolina is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.30 percent of the residents in 28217 has some form of health insurance. 31.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.33 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 28217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,735 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 83 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28217. An estimate of 68 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 52,823 health care providers accessible to residents in 28217, Charlotte, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides an asthma score assessment for physicians in ZIP code 28217, focusing on primary care availability within Charlotte, North Carolina. This assessment considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of asthma care accessibility and quality in the specified area.

Assessing the asthma care landscape in 28217 begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is crucial because it directly impacts access to care. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for asthma patients. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive management of the condition. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be combined to estimate this ratio, providing a baseline understanding of access challenges. However, the ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. The distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is also important. Are doctors clustered in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Geographic information systems (GIS) can map physician locations, revealing potential healthcare deserts.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is vital. Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication, and the overall quality of care. Analyzing these reviews for specific mentions of asthma management, such as medication adherence support, asthma education, and the responsiveness of providers to asthma-related concerns, can help identify practices excelling in asthma care. Furthermore, examining the credentials and specializations of physicians is essential. Are there board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the primary care network? Their presence can significantly enhance asthma care, providing specialized expertise and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its impact on asthma care is significant. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. It can facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, allowing for early intervention and preventing exacerbations. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 28217 involves assessing whether they offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and secure communication platforms for patients to interact with their providers. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and improved access.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is crucial. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as integrated care models where mental health services are seamlessly integrated with asthma management. Assessing this aspect requires investigating whether practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health providers. Practices that prioritize mental health demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in 28217 also involves considering the availability of asthma education and support programs. These programs empower patients with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their condition. This includes providing education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques. Assessing the presence of these programs involves investigating whether practices offer educational materials, asthma action plans, and access to certified asthma educators. These resources contribute to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization.

Furthermore, evaluating the impact of social determinants of health is essential. Factors such as socioeconomic status, housing quality, and access to transportation can significantly impact asthma outcomes. For example, patients living in substandard housing may be exposed to asthma triggers like mold and dust mites, while those with limited transportation options may struggle to attend appointments. Analyzing these factors requires considering the demographics of the population served by the practices in 28217 and assessing whether they offer resources or support to address these challenges. Practices that actively address social determinants of health demonstrate a commitment to health equity and improved outcomes for all patients.

The analysis also requires considering the accessibility of after-hours care. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and access to timely care is critical. Assessing the availability of after-hours care involves investigating whether practices offer after-hours phone support, urgent care services, or partnerships with emergency departments. Practices that provide readily available after-hours care ensure that patients can receive the support they need when they need it.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in 28217 and primary care availability in Charlotte requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, asthma education programs, social determinants of health, and after-hours care. This multi-faceted approach provides a holistic understanding of the accessibility, quality, and equity of asthma care in the specified area.

For a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations, allowing you to gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about asthma care.