28349, Kenansville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28349, Kenansville, North Carolina is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.94 percent of the residents in 28349 has some form of health insurance. 44.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.72 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 28349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 846 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28349. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 533 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,138 health care providers accessible to residents in 28349, Kenansville, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28349 and Primary Care in Kenansville

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly regarding asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the specific context of ZIP Code 28349 and the primary care landscape within Kenansville, North Carolina, aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score, though not a formal, standardized metric, will reflect the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the overall environment for individuals managing asthma.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Kenansville, as a smaller community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: physician shortages and limited access to specialized medical services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. The specific physician-to-patient ratio for Kenansville and ZIP Code 28349 requires data acquisition from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards. Without this data, a precise score is impossible, but the presumption is a potential deficit in PCP availability.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts asthma management. Evaluating practices involves assessing their adherence to asthma guidelines, their utilization of evidence-based treatments, and their patient education programs. Standout practices in the area would ideally demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management. This includes regular asthma action plan reviews, patient education on inhaler techniques and trigger avoidance, and readily available resources for managing acute asthma exacerbations. Finding practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track asthma control metrics, and offer patient-centered care would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for improving access to care, especially in rural areas. For asthma patients, virtual consultations can facilitate medication refills, symptom monitoring, and timely adjustments to treatment plans. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring, would enhance the Asthma Score. The presence of telehealth options can bridge geographical barriers and provide more frequent and convenient access to healthcare professionals.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are intrinsically linked to asthma management. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for addressing these issues. The availability of mental health services within Kenansville, and the ease with which asthma patients can access them, directly influences the Asthma Score. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals are integrated into primary care practices, are particularly beneficial.

Specialist availability, specifically pulmonologists and allergists, is essential for managing complex asthma cases. While primary care physicians can handle many asthma cases, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require specialist expertise. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists significantly impact the Asthma Score. Travel distance, appointment wait times, and insurance coverage for specialist visits all contribute to the overall assessment.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacies, is critical. Respiratory therapists can provide valuable support in areas like inhaler technique training and pulmonary function testing. Asthma educators can empower patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively. Easy access to pharmacies, with a reliable supply of asthma medications, is also paramount.

Community resources play a significant role. The presence of support groups, asthma education programs offered by local organizations, and community initiatives aimed at reducing environmental asthma triggers (e.g., air quality monitoring, housing inspections) can all positively influence the Asthma Score. Public health efforts focused on asthma awareness and prevention are also beneficial.

Environmental factors, such as air quality and the prevalence of allergens, also impact asthma management. The Asthma Score must consider the local environment. Data on air quality, pollen counts, and the presence of common asthma triggers in the area can inform the assessment. Addressing environmental factors requires collaboration between healthcare providers, public health officials, and community organizations.

Overall, the Asthma Score for ZIP Code 28349 and the primary care landscape in Kenansville is likely influenced by the challenges of rural healthcare. The score would be negatively impacted by a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited specialist availability, and a lack of telemedicine options. Conversely, practices that prioritize patient education, integrate mental health services, and actively participate in asthma management programs would contribute positively to the score. The availability of community resources, environmental factors, and the overall healthcare infrastructure all play a role in determining the final assessment.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28349 and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare accessibility, allowing you to analyze the distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care.