28343, Gibson, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28343, Gibson, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.73 percent of the residents in 28343 has some form of health insurance. 52.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.32 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 28343 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 530 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28343. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,472 health care providers accessible to residents in 28343, Gibson, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Gibson, NC (ZIP Code 28343)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for asthma sufferers in Gibson, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28343) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll delve into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all factors influencing an "Asthma Score" for this specific locale. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Gibson, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. A low PCP-to-population ratio can significantly hinder timely diagnosis, management, and follow-up care for asthma patients. This ratio, along with the geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, directly impacts accessibility. Are the practices concentrated in one area, creating potential barriers for those in more rural parts of Gibson? Or is there a more dispersed network of providers? This distribution influences travel time, a significant factor for patients experiencing asthma exacerbations.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 28343 must be examined in detail. National averages provide a benchmark, but local realities can differ significantly. Does the area have a sufficient number of PCPs to meet the needs of the population, considering the prevalence of asthma and other chronic conditions? Further, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is essential for complex asthma cases. Their proximity and ease of access are vital components of a comprehensive asthma care system. The presence or absence of these specialists significantly impacts the overall "Asthma Score."

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in asthma management. They might employ certified asthma educators, utilize standardized asthma action plans, offer comprehensive patient education, and actively monitor patient outcomes. These practices often have well-defined protocols for managing acute asthma episodes and coordinating care with specialists. Their success serves as a model for other practices, potentially raising the overall standard of care within the community.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma patients, particularly those in rural areas. It allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and provide timely interventions. The level of telemedicine integration within the primary care practices in 28343 directly impacts the "Asthma Score." Are practices offering virtual visits? Are they utilizing remote monitoring devices? These factors are essential.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for comprehensive asthma management. Does the area have readily accessible mental health providers? Are there collaborations between primary care practices and mental health professionals? These collaborations are vital to provide holistic care.

Analyzing the insurance landscape is also essential. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, by local practices impacts access to care for vulnerable populations. A high percentage of uninsured or underinsured patients can create significant barriers to accessing asthma care. The availability of financial assistance programs and resources for medication costs also impacts the overall "Asthma Score."

Specific practices within the 28343 ZIP code should be researched. Identifying practices that excel in asthma management, patient education, and coordination of care is crucial. Their practices can be benchmarked against national guidelines and best practices. This research might involve reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice websites, and contacting practices directly to gather information about their asthma management protocols.

Furthermore, the local hospital's emergency room (ER) utilization for asthma-related visits should be assessed. A high ER utilization rate could indicate inadequate asthma management in the community. Analyzing the reasons for these visits, such as lack of access to primary care, poor medication adherence, or inadequate patient education, is essential for identifying areas for improvement.

The availability of asthma education programs within the community is another important factor. These programs can empower patients to manage their condition effectively, reduce exacerbations, and improve their quality of life. Are there asthma support groups? Are there community health workers who provide asthma education? The presence of these resources significantly contributes to the overall "Asthma Score."

The presence of pharmacies and their accessibility is also important. Convenient access to pharmacies, especially those that offer medication counseling and support, is crucial for asthma patients. Are there pharmacies within the ZIP code? Do they offer services like medication synchronization and refill reminders? These services can improve medication adherence and reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.

Finally, the overall socioeconomic status of the community impacts asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for improving asthma outcomes in Gibson.

In conclusion, assessing the "Asthma Score" for Gibson, NC (28343) is a complex undertaking requiring a thorough investigation of primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and social determinants of health. A comprehensive analysis will reveal strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gibson, NC (28343), we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, providing valuable insights into asthma care accessibility and quality.**