28357, Lumber Bridge, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28357, Lumber Bridge, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.15 percent of the residents in 28357 has some form of health insurance. 51.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.75 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 28357 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 525 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28357. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 388 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,765 health care providers accessible to residents in 28357, Lumber Bridge, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lumber Bridge, NC (ZIP Code 28357)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Lumber Bridge, North Carolina (ZIP code 28357) requires a multifaceted approach, especially when considering asthma management and primary care accessibility. This analysis will delve into the available resources, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources – all critical components of effective asthma care. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The initial assessment begins with the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised quality of care. While precise, publicly available data on physician-to-patient ratios at the ZIP code level can be challenging to obtain, estimates can be derived from county-level data and adjusted based on the known distribution of healthcare providers within the Lumber Bridge area. This analysis would consider the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists actively practicing within the defined geographical boundary, contrasting this with the estimated population of Lumber Bridge. A lower ratio would indicate better access to care, which would positively influence the asthma score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are healthcare providers that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This assessment would involve researching practices known for their specialization in respiratory conditions. This would involve looking at the experience of the doctors within the practice, the availability of specialized equipment such as pulmonary function testing, and their adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, both for patients and the community, would also be considered favorably. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication and readily available patient support, would score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another key area of focus. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in managing chronic conditions like asthma. It enables remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, medication adherence, and environmental triggers. It can also facilitate virtual consultations, allowing patients to connect with their physicians more frequently and conveniently, especially important in a rural area like Lumber Bridge where transportation to appointments can be challenging. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient portals for communication, would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve the accessibility of asthma care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in asthma management, but it is a critical aspect of holistic care. Asthma can be a source of anxiety and stress, and these psychological factors can, in turn, exacerbate asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is essential. Practices that screen patients for anxiety and depression, and that offer or facilitate access to mental health support, would be viewed more favorably. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The integration of mental health services can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Primary care availability is a core element of the asthma score. This encompasses the number of primary care physicians in the area, their willingness to accept new patients, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. The availability of primary care is a critical factor in the early diagnosis and ongoing management of asthma. Primary care physicians play a crucial role in coordinating care, providing preventative services, and educating patients about their condition. A strong primary care infrastructure would significantly boost the asthma score.

Another factor is the availability of after-hours care. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and the ability to access medical assistance outside of regular office hours is essential. Practices that offer after-hours phone consultations, or have partnerships with urgent care facilities or emergency rooms, would receive a higher score. This ensures that patients have access to care when they need it most.

The analysis would also consider the availability of asthma education resources. This includes access to educational materials, such as pamphlets, videos, and online resources, as well as asthma education classes and support groups. Practices that actively promote asthma education would receive a higher score. Patient education is crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

Finally, the analysis would factor in the socioeconomic characteristics of the Lumber Bridge population. Factors such as poverty rates, access to health insurance, and educational attainment can all influence asthma outcomes. Areas with higher rates of poverty and lower levels of education may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare and managing asthma. This analysis would take these factors into account when assigning the final asthma score.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' for Lumber Bridge (28357) is a composite metric reflecting the availability and quality of asthma-related healthcare services. The score would be determined by considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of primary care, the availability of after-hours care, and the socioeconomic factors affecting the community. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system, leading to better asthma management and improved patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lumber Bridge and surrounding areas, including the locations of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, explore the power of location intelligence. **Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the accessibility of asthma care in your community.**