28345, Hamlet, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28345, Hamlet, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.06 percent of the residents in 28345 has some form of health insurance. 47.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.05 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 28345 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,506 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28345. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,803 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,464 health care providers accessible to residents in 28345, Hamlet, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hamlet, NC (ZIP Code 28345)

The city of Hamlet, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP code 28345, presents a complex healthcare landscape. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on resources relevant to asthma management. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, assess the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in delivering effective asthma care.

The initial challenge in evaluating healthcare access in Hamlet lies in the limited publicly available data. Precise physician-to-patient ratios are often difficult to ascertain without direct access to insurance claims data or specific surveys. However, we can utilize publicly available resources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to estimate the general availability of primary care physicians. Hamlet, a relatively small community, may experience a lower physician density compared to larger metropolitan areas. This suggests that residents could face challenges in securing timely appointments, potentially impacting asthma management, which requires regular check-ups and prompt care during exacerbations.

A critical aspect of asthma care is the quality of primary care practices. Identifying "standout practices" necessitates evaluating several factors. These include the availability of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the practice or through referral networks. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs for patients and families are also highly valued. Furthermore, the implementation of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is a crucial indicator of quality. The presence of dedicated asthma educators, nurses specializing in respiratory care, and readily available peak flow meters and nebulizers within the practice are also significant.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption within Hamlet's primary care practices could significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. The extent of telemedicine adoption can be gauged by examining practices’ websites and patient portals to assess the availability of virtual appointment scheduling, secure messaging, and remote monitoring capabilities. Practices that embrace telehealth can offer greater flexibility and convenience, potentially improving patient adherence to treatment plans and reducing the frequency of emergency room visits.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and this is particularly true for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment outcomes. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks is a crucial element of comprehensive asthma care. This involves assessing whether practices have integrated mental health professionals on-site or have established strong referral pathways to mental health specialists, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The availability of mental health screening tools and the promotion of mental wellness programs are also important indicators.

Another key factor is the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs allow for better coordination of care, facilitating communication between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers. They also enable the tracking of patient data, including asthma control test scores, medication adherence, and exacerbation frequency. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs can provide more personalized and proactive asthma management.

To further analyze the healthcare landscape, consider the local hospital and its services. Does the hospital have a dedicated respiratory therapy department? Are there specialized asthma clinics or programs available? The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of care for asthma patients in the community. Access to a well-equipped emergency room with experienced staff trained to manage asthma exacerbations is also essential.

The assessment of primary care availability in Hamlet also needs to consider the socio-economic factors that can impact health outcomes. Poverty, lack of insurance coverage, and limited access to transportation can all create barriers to accessing healthcare. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve asthma management.

Furthermore, community outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations can play a vital role in improving asthma care. These programs may include asthma education classes, home visits by asthma educators, and collaborations with schools and community centers to raise awareness about asthma triggers and management strategies.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Hamlet, NC (ZIP code 28345) requires a multi-faceted approach. While precise data on physician-to-patient ratios may be limited, assessing the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the socio-economic factors affecting access to care are all essential. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate picture of the healthcare landscape and highlights areas for improvement. By focusing on these key elements, the community can work towards providing better asthma care for its residents.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hamlet, NC, including the location of healthcare providers, access to care indicators, and potential areas for improvement, consider utilizing the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.