28372, Pembroke, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28372, Pembroke, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.29 percent of the residents in 28372 has some form of health insurance. 36.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.06 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 28372 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,536 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28372. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,380 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,069 health care providers accessible to residents in 28372, Pembroke, North Carolina.

This analysis assesses asthma care within ZIP code 28372, focusing on the town of Pembroke, North Carolina, with an emphasis on primary care availability and related resources. Asthma management is a complex undertaking, requiring a multifaceted approach that considers access to care, physician expertise, and supportive services. We will evaluate these factors to provide an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment.

Pembroke, a town in Robeson County, faces unique healthcare challenges. The area's socioeconomic factors, including poverty and limited access to transportation, can significantly impact asthma control. Effective asthma management hinges on consistent primary care, timely specialist referrals, and patient education. The availability of these resources is crucial in determining the quality of asthma care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. In areas with a lower ratio, patients face longer wait times for appointments and may struggle to establish a consistent relationship with a primary care physician. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased emergency room visits. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28372 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services would provide valuable insights. A low ratio would indicate a significant challenge to asthma care accessibility.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Patients require regular check-ups, medication management, and education on triggers and avoidance strategies. The number of primary care practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans are all relevant. A lack of primary care providers in Pembroke would necessitate patients traveling outside of the town for care, creating logistical and financial burdens.

Standout practices in the area deserve recognition. Identifying practices with specialized asthma programs, experienced physicians, and a patient-centered approach can highlight best practices. These practices might employ certified asthma educators, offer extended hours, or have dedicated asthma clinics. Examining patient reviews, practice websites, and contacting local healthcare organizations can help identify such practices. The presence of these resources would significantly improve the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and education sessions. This can reduce travel time, improve medication adherence, and enhance patient convenience. Practices utilizing telemedicine platforms would receive a higher score. The availability of reliable internet access is also a factor, as it is necessary for effective telemedicine.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for comprehensive care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma management programs would receive a higher score.

Specifics are key to a meaningful analysis. For example, instead of stating "some practices offer telemedicine," we need to identify *which* practices offer telemedicine, *what* platforms they use, and *how* they integrate it into their asthma care. Similarly, instead of saying "mental health resources are available," we need to identify *which* mental health providers serve the area, *what* services they offer, and *how* patients can access them.

The Asthma Score should reflect the reality on the ground. It is not just about identifying resources; it is about assessing their accessibility, quality, and impact on patient outcomes. This requires gathering data from multiple sources, including physician directories, insurance provider websites, patient surveys, and local healthcare organizations.

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources. Asthma education programs offered by local health departments, schools, or community centers can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The availability of these programs, their content, and their reach within the community are all important factors.

Data on emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma in 28372 would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of asthma care. High rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations would suggest that asthma is not being adequately controlled, potentially due to a lack of access to primary care, poor medication adherence, or inadequate patient education.

The analysis should also consider the cultural and linguistic needs of the community. Pembroke has a significant population of Native Americans, and healthcare providers should be aware of and sensitive to their cultural beliefs and practices. The availability of bilingual or culturally competent healthcare providers is essential for ensuring that all patients receive appropriate care.

The final Asthma Score should be a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape in 28372. It should identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This analysis should provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing asthma patients in Pembroke. This could include specific recommendations for improving access to care, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources into asthma management programs.

CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data collected in this analysis. They can show the locations of primary care practices, specialists, pharmacies, and other resources. They can also be used to map areas with high rates of asthma prevalence or emergency room visits. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and create a more comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Pembroke.