28340, Fairmont, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.79 percent of the residents in 28340 has some form of health insurance. 57.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.72 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 28340 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,975 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28340. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,044 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,305 health care providers accessible to residents in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28340 and Primary Care in Fairmont

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Fairmont, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28340), with a specific focus on asthma management capabilities. This assessment aims to provide insights into the local healthcare landscape, considering factors crucial for asthma sufferers, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telehealth adoption, and mental health support.

The foundation of a robust healthcare system for asthma patients rests on the availability of accessible and skilled PCPs. ZIP Code 28340, a predominantly rural area, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. One of the most significant hurdles is the potential for a low physician-to-patient ratio. This metric, which reflects the number of residents served by each PCP, can significantly impact access to timely appointments, preventative care, and ongoing asthma management. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care for chronic conditions like asthma.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in Fairmont requires a deep dive into publicly available data. Resources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau provide the necessary information. This analysis would involve identifying all practicing PCPs within the ZIP code, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians. Then, the population of 28340 would be divided by the number of PCPs to determine the ratio. A ratio significantly higher than the state or national average would indicate a potential shortage of primary care providers, which could negatively impact asthma patients.

Beyond simple physician availability, the characteristics of individual practices play a crucial role in asthma management. The presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within a practice or network would be a significant advantage. These specialists possess advanced training in respiratory conditions and can provide specialized care for complex asthma cases. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is vital for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring. Practices that offer these services streamline the patient journey and improve the efficiency of care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telehealth, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, has the potential to revolutionize asthma management, particularly in rural areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine offers several advantages. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses. It also enables remote monitoring of symptoms, allowing physicians to proactively manage asthma exacerbations. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 28340 involves evaluating their use of virtual platforms, the availability of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth into their standard workflows.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but essential component of asthma care. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of asthma patients. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being. Assessing the mental health resources available within practices involves evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, the integration of mental health screenings into routine care, and the referral pathways to specialized mental health services.

Identifying standout practices within 28340 requires a nuanced approach. It's not simply about the number of physicians or the availability of services; it's about the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and the practice's commitment to patient education. Gathering information from patient reviews, conducting site visits (where feasible), and analyzing publicly available data can help identify practices that excel in asthma care.

The lack of readily available data on specific practices within a ZIP code can be a challenge. Data privacy regulations and the proprietary nature of some healthcare information can limit access to comprehensive information. However, by leveraging publicly available resources, conducting targeted research, and utilizing data from patient surveys and reviews, a reasonable assessment can be made.

The assessment of primary care availability in Fairmont also needs to consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. The presence of a local hospital with an emergency department equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is crucial. Proximity to specialized care centers, such as allergy and immunology clinics or pulmonology practices, also plays a role. Furthermore, the availability of pharmacy services, including access to asthma medications and inhalers, is essential. A comprehensive analysis considers all these factors to provide a complete picture of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis would also consider the specific needs of the patient population. Demographic factors, such as age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation, can influence healthcare utilization and outcomes. Understanding the unique challenges faced by residents of 28340 allows for a more targeted assessment of healthcare needs.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care capabilities of PCPs in ZIP Code 28340 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, stakeholders can identify areas for improvement and work towards ensuring that asthma patients in Fairmont receive the high-quality care they deserve.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, pharmacies, and specialized care centers, and to gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility of care in Fairmont and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps.