28369, Orrum, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28369, Orrum, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.95 percent of the residents in 28369 has some form of health insurance. 49.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.87 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 28369 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 556 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28369. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 346 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,220 health care providers accessible to residents in 28369, Orrum, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28369 and Primary Care in Orrum

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly concerning asthma management, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28369, encompassing the town of Orrum, North Carolina, with a focus on asthma-related care. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma management.

Orrum, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower physician density and limited access to specialized care. Therefore, understanding the existing resources and identifying potential gaps is paramount to improving asthma outcomes for residents.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 28369 is a critical indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide a preliminary estimate of this ratio. However, this data should be supplemented with information on physician specialization, practice size, and patient demographics to gain a more nuanced understanding. For example, a practice specializing in pediatrics might serve a disproportionately high number of children with asthma.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in asthma management, including adherence to national guidelines, patient education programs, and effective communication strategies. Key indicators of a strong asthma practice include: a dedicated asthma educator or nurse, a documented asthma action plan for each patient, regular pulmonary function testing, and readily available emergency care protocols. Investigating patient reviews, conducting site visits (where feasible), and consulting with local healthcare organizations can help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in rural areas like Orrum. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialized care. Specifically, for asthma, telemedicine can facilitate medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in 28369 requires direct inquiries to practices and an examination of their online presence. Practices utilizing secure video conferencing platforms, offering remote monitoring devices, and providing online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology for improved patient care.

The integration of mental health resources into asthma management is often overlooked but is essential. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. PCPs in 28369 should ideally have access to mental health professionals, either within their practice or through referral networks. This allows for integrated care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. Assessing the availability of these resources involves investigating the presence of on-site mental health professionals, the use of collaborative care models, and the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the broader community.

Furthermore, the availability of asthma-specific resources is critical. This includes access to asthma educators, respiratory therapists, and specialized asthma clinics. These resources can provide patients with education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and self-management strategies. The presence of these resources within the local healthcare ecosystem can significantly improve asthma outcomes.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Understanding the prevalence of these factors in 28369 allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the challenges faced by asthma patients and the need for targeted interventions. Collaborating with local community organizations and public health agencies can help identify these needs and develop appropriate solutions.

A thorough analysis of the available data will provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' ranking for doctors in ZIP code 28369. This ranking should consider the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to asthma-specific resources. The score should be transparent and based on objective criteria, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis should also highlight areas for improvement. This might include recommendations for increasing physician density, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and improving access to asthma-specific resources. The goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

In conclusion, improving asthma care in Orrum and the surrounding area requires a multifaceted approach that considers the unique challenges of a rural community. By assessing physician availability, identifying standout practices, promoting telemedicine, integrating mental health resources, and addressing socioeconomic factors, we can improve asthma outcomes and enhance the quality of life for residents.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 28369, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform allows for a detailed and insightful exploration of the data, providing a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.