28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.00 percent of the residents in 28312 has some form of health insurance. 43.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.15 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 28312 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,749 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28312. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,587 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,620 health care providers accessible to residents in 28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Fayetteville, NC (ZIP Code 28312)**

This analysis assesses the quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility within Fayetteville, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 28312 ZIP code. The evaluation considers factors critical to asthma management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of primary care. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive overview for residents seeking optimal healthcare.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Accessibility**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In the 28312 ZIP code, the ratio of primary care physicians to the population is a key determinant of asthma care quality. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed treatment for asthma exacerbations. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, combined with local healthcare network information, provide a baseline understanding. Analyzing this data is crucial to determining if the current physician supply adequately serves the population’s needs, especially considering the prevalence of asthma.

Primary care accessibility extends beyond the sheer number of physicians. The distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is also critical. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Transportation options, including public transit and the availability of accessible parking, further influence access. The presence of walk-in clinics and urgent care facilities, which often provide care for asthma-related issues, can alleviate some of the pressure on primary care physicians. These factors combine to create a nuanced picture of primary care accessibility, directly impacting the ability of asthma patients to receive timely and effective care.

**Standout Practices and Asthma Management Strategies**

Within the 28312 ZIP code, certain primary care practices may stand out for their asthma management strategies. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practices, patient education, and proactive care. Key characteristics of these standout practices may include:

* **Comprehensive Asthma Action Plans:** Providing each patient with a personalized asthma action plan that outlines daily management, symptom recognition, and steps to take during an exacerbation.
* **Regular Pulmonary Function Testing:** Offering regular pulmonary function tests (spirometry) to monitor lung function and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Implementing patient education programs that empower patients to understand their condition, manage their medications, and identify triggers.
* **Coordination with Specialists:** Establishing strong referral pathways to pulmonologists and allergists for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma.
* **Proactive Medication Management:** Regularly reviewing medication regimens to optimize control and minimize side effects.
* **Emphasis on Environmental Control:** Providing guidance on environmental control measures to reduce exposure to asthma triggers, such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, practice websites, and, ideally, direct observation of care delivery.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for asthma management, especially in areas with limited access to care. In the 28312 ZIP code, the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can significantly improve asthma care access and convenience. Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Providing patients with the ability to consult with their physicians remotely for routine follow-ups, medication adjustments, and symptom management.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Utilizing remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters, to track lung function and identify early signs of exacerbations.
* **Medication Refills:** Streamlining the process of requesting and receiving medication refills.
* **Educational Resources:** Delivering educational materials and support groups through virtual platforms.

The extent of telemedicine adoption varies among practices. Practices that have embraced telemedicine often report improved patient satisfaction, reduced hospital readmissions, and enhanced disease control. Factors influencing telemedicine adoption include technological infrastructure, physician training, and patient willingness to use virtual platforms.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management**

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is crucial. In the 28312 ZIP code, the following resources are important:

* **On-site Mental Health Professionals:** Some primary care practices may have integrated mental health professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, to provide counseling and support.
* **Referral Networks:** Practices should have established referral pathways to mental health specialists, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors.
* **Mental Health Education:** Educating patients about the link between asthma and mental health and providing resources for managing stress and anxiety.
* **Support Groups:** Facilitating or referring patients to asthma support groups that offer emotional support and peer-to-peer learning.
* **Medication Management:** Collaborating with psychiatrists to manage medications for both asthma and mental health conditions.

The integration of mental health services into asthma care can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced exacerbations, and enhanced quality of life.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating asthma care in the 28312 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of asthma care and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to mental health services, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.