28333, Dudley, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28333, Dudley, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.53 percent of the residents in 28333 has some form of health insurance. 57.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.97 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 28333 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,430 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28333. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,741 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 265 health care providers accessible to residents in 28333, Dudley, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Dudley, NC (ZIP Code 28333)

Analyzing asthma care within Dudley, North Carolina (ZIP code 28333) requires a multi-faceted approach, examining not just the raw numbers of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' ranking, evaluating the landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area. This score is not a single, definitive number, but rather a composite assessment based on the factors discussed.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Dudley, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While publicly available data might provide a general overview, a deeper dive is needed. This would involve assessing the number of actively practicing PCPs within the ZIP code, factoring in their patient load, and determining the average wait times for appointments. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, and longer wait times, would negatively impact the 'Asthma Score'.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Are the PCPs knowledgeable about asthma management? Do they adhere to current asthma guidelines, including regular spirometry testing and personalized action plans? Assessing this requires a review of practice profiles, patient reviews (while inherently subjective, they provide valuable insights), and possibly even a review of the practices' commitment to continuing medical education (CME) in respiratory medicine. Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to asthma-specific training and proactive patient management would receive a higher score.

A significant aspect of modern healthcare is the integration of telemedicine. The availability of telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can greatly enhance access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine options for asthma management, including remote monitoring of peak flow meters and virtual asthma education sessions, would score higher. The ease of access to these services, including the availability of technical support for patients, is also crucial.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources, either within the primary care practices themselves or through readily accessible referrals, is a vital component of a comprehensive asthma care system. Practices that actively screen for mental health concerns and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a more favorable score. The presence of mental health professionals specializing in chronic illness management would further enhance the score.

Specific practices within the 28333 ZIP code warrant individual scrutiny. Identifying standout practices requires a detailed analysis of their services. This includes examining their patient education materials, the availability of asthma educators, the presence of specialized asthma clinics, and their participation in asthma-related community outreach programs. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer comprehensive asthma management services, and actively engage with the community would be recognized as leaders in asthma care.

The 'Asthma Score' for Dudley, NC, would also consider the availability of specialist care. While PCPs are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the wait times for specialist appointments all impact the overall score. A well-coordinated healthcare system, where PCPs and specialists collaborate effectively, would significantly improve the 'Asthma Score'.

Another factor to consider is the availability of asthma medications and devices. The proximity of pharmacies, the affordability of medications (considering insurance coverage and access to patient assistance programs), and the availability of nebulizers and inhalers are crucial for effective asthma management. Practices that assist patients in navigating the complexities of medication access and provide education on proper device usage would contribute to a higher score.

Furthermore, the score must reflect the overall socioeconomic environment of Dudley. Factors such as poverty rates, housing conditions, and environmental pollution can significantly impact asthma prevalence and severity. A community-wide approach to addressing these social determinants of health, including initiatives to improve air quality and provide safe housing, would indirectly contribute to a better 'Asthma Score'.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' for Dudley, NC, is not a static number but a dynamic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem. It reflects the availability of PCPs, the quality of care, the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, the presence of standout practices, and the overall socioeconomic environment. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma management services, and actively engage with the community will receive a higher score. Addressing the social determinants of health is also critical for improving asthma outcomes in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Dudley, including the locations of practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive view of the healthcare infrastructure in the area, helping you to better understand the accessibility and availability of asthma care.