28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.88 percent of the residents in 28351 has some form of health insurance. 49.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.51 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 28351 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28351. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 768 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,471 health care providers accessible to residents in 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. An "Asthma Score" ranking, though not a formal metric, can be created by evaluating several key factors. These include physician availability, the integration of telemedicine, the provision of mental health services, and the overall quality of care as reflected in patient reviews and practice characteristics.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Laurel Hill is a crucial starting point. Access to primary care physicians, including those who also manage asthma, significantly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potentially longer wait times for appointments and a greater burden on existing healthcare providers. Determining the precise ratio requires data on the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code, along with the population size. This data can be obtained from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Beyond simple numbers, the types of practices available matter. Are there solo practitioners, multi-specialty groups, or larger hospital-affiliated clinics? Larger groups often have the resources to provide a broader range of services, including specialized asthma care, on-site respiratory therapists, and potentially, access to clinical trials. Smaller practices might offer a more personalized approach, with established patient-physician relationships. Assessing the breadth of services offered by each practice is critical.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital element of the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Remote consultations can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly beneficial for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Furthermore, telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, enabling physicians to intervene proactively and adjust treatment plans as needed. Evaluating the extent to which practices in Laurel Hill utilize telemedicine platforms, including the types of services offered remotely, is a key factor in the ranking.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma, as a chronic illness, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. Assessing the availability of mental health support within the primary care practices in Laurel Hill is a significant component of the Asthma Score.

Patient reviews and practice characteristics offer valuable insights. Review websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provide a glimpse into patient experiences. Analyzing these reviews can reveal patterns in patient satisfaction, wait times, communication effectiveness, and the overall quality of care. Additionally, examining practice characteristics, such as the use of electronic health records, accreditation status, and participation in quality improvement programs, can provide further indicators of quality.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 28351 requires a detailed assessment of the factors mentioned above. Practices that demonstrate a strong physician-to-patient ratio, embrace telemedicine, integrate mental health services, and receive positive patient reviews would likely rank higher. Practices that offer specialized asthma care, such as on-site respiratory therapists or asthma education programs, would also be considered favorably.

The Asthma Score, in essence, is a composite measure reflecting the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care available in Laurel Hill. It is not a single number but a nuanced assessment based on a variety of factors. The ranking would be based on a relative comparison of practices within the ZIP code, with each practice being evaluated against the criteria outlined.

The availability of primary care in Laurel Hill is inextricably linked to asthma management. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing care coordination. A robust primary care system is therefore essential for ensuring that asthma patients receive the care they need.

The analysis should consider the presence of urgent care clinics and their role in asthma management. While not a substitute for ongoing primary care, urgent care clinics can provide immediate care for asthma exacerbations. The accessibility and availability of these clinics within the ZIP code are factors to consider.

Furthermore, the analysis should take into account the presence of any community health initiatives or programs focused on asthma education and management. These programs, often run by local health departments or non-profit organizations, can play a crucial role in improving asthma outcomes by educating patients about their condition, providing self-management tools, and connecting them with resources.

The overall Asthma Score for Laurel Hill, therefore, would be a reflection of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape within the ZIP code. It would highlight areas where care is readily accessible and of high quality, as well as areas where improvements are needed. This analysis would provide valuable insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve asthma care in Laurel Hill.

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laurel Hill, including the locations of physician practices, the availability of primary care, and the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within ZIP code 28351.