28326, Cameron, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28326, Cameron, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.09 percent of the residents in 28326 has some form of health insurance. 23.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.70 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 28326 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,726 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28326. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,835 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,852 health care providers accessible to residents in 28326, Cameron, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Cameron, NC (ZIP Code 28326)

This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality within Cameron, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the ZIP code 28326. It evaluates the landscape of primary care providers, their capacity to manage asthma patients, and related resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Asthma Score" ranking. This score considers factors beyond simple physician availability, encompassing telemedicine integration, mental health support, and overall practice quality.

The core of effective asthma management lies in the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 28326, a predominantly rural area, presents a unique challenge in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. While precise figures fluctuate, the area likely faces a shortage of PCPs compared to national averages. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized asthma care, and potential difficulties in establishing consistent patient-physician relationships, all of which negatively impact asthma control.

Evaluating primary care availability requires examining the existing practices within and immediately surrounding the ZIP code. We must consider the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the types of insurance they accept (Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance), and their hours of operation. Practices with extended hours, weekend availability, and multilingual staff enhance accessibility for a broader patient population.

Standout practices are those that go beyond the basic requirements. This includes those with dedicated asthma specialists, respiratory therapists, or nurses trained in asthma management. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care. These practices often utilize standardized asthma action plans, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Furthermore, practices that actively monitor patient outcomes, tracking exacerbations and hospitalizations, demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma control.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, particularly in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments can significantly improve access to care for asthma patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring capabilities, receive higher marks in our Asthma Score. This is particularly important for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. Telemedicine can also facilitate timely intervention during asthma exacerbations, potentially preventing hospitalizations.

Asthma is frequently associated with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health resources are essential. This includes on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists and psychiatrists, and integration of mental health screenings into routine asthma care. Practices that actively address the psychological aspects of asthma demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being, improving the overall effectiveness of asthma management.

The Asthma Score ranking is derived from a composite of these factors. Practices are evaluated on their physician-to-patient ratios, accessibility (hours, insurance acceptance, and new patient availability), specialized asthma care resources, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. Practices with higher scores demonstrate a greater commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible asthma care.

The evaluation process also considers the quality of care. This involves analyzing patient reviews, evaluating the practice's accreditation status, and assessing their adherence to established asthma guidelines. Practices that consistently achieve positive patient outcomes and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement receive higher scores.

The overall Asthma Score for the region is influenced by the collective performance of the practices. The score reflects the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care within the ZIP code. A low score indicates significant challenges in accessing adequate care, while a high score suggests a robust healthcare infrastructure for asthma patients.

The analysis also considers the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacies, respiratory therapy services, and asthma education programs. Easy access to these resources is crucial for effective asthma management. Proximity to pharmacies that stock a wide range of asthma medications and offer convenient refill options is essential. Access to respiratory therapists for pulmonary function testing and education on inhaler techniques further enhances the quality of care.

This analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within Cameron, NC (ZIP code 28326). By identifying areas for improvement, this assessment can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients about the specific needs of the community. It can also be used to advocate for increased resources, such as recruiting more PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and improving access to mental health services.

The data gathered and analyzed is dynamic and subject to change. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new practices opening, existing practices adopting new technologies, and healthcare policies changing. This analysis is a snapshot in time, providing a current assessment of the situation.

For a dynamic, interactive map of healthcare resources in your area, including physician locations, practice details, and other relevant information, visit CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a user-friendly platform for exploring healthcare access and availability, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.