28374, Pinehurst, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28374, Pinehurst, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.89 percent of the residents in 28374 has some form of health insurance. 43.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.80 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 28374 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,291 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28374. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,970 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,335 health care providers accessible to residents in 28374, Pinehurst, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pinehurst, NC (ZIP Code 28374)

This analysis assesses the quality of asthma care and primary care availability within Pinehurst, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28374), focusing on factors impacting patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, ultimately leading to better asthma management for residents.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. In Pinehurst, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, specialists in lung health, directly impacts asthma management. An insufficient number of physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. While publicly available data offers general population-to-physician ratios, obtaining specific figures for this ZIP code requires more granular analysis, potentially involving surveys of local practices or accessing data from healthcare networks. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access.

Standout practices within Pinehurst can significantly elevate the standard of asthma care. These practices often demonstrate excellence in several areas. They might utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments. This includes regular assessment of asthma control, personalized action plans, and patient education on proper inhaler technique and environmental control measures. Furthermore, exceptional practices often prioritize patient communication, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship that encourages open dialogue and proactive management. Identifying these leading practices requires a deeper dive, examining patient reviews, physician credentials, and the adoption of best practices.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in Pinehurst. Telehealth, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients. It allows for convenient follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially during times of increased respiratory illness or for patients with mobility limitations. The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the area is a crucial factor. Practices that embrace telehealth technologies can potentially offer more accessible and proactive care. This includes examining the types of telehealth services offered, the technology infrastructure in place, and the integration of telehealth into existing workflows.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial aspect of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and integrate mental health services into their care models are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This might involve offering on-site mental health professionals, establishing referral networks with local therapists, or providing resources for stress management and coping strategies. Assessing the availability and accessibility of mental health support within primary care practices and specialist offices is essential.

The availability of primary care in Pinehurst is a key factor. Primary care physicians serve as the first point of contact for healthcare needs, including asthma management. Their ability to provide timely diagnosis, treatment, and referrals is crucial. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs in the area, their acceptance of new patients, their appointment availability, and their insurance coverage acceptance. A robust primary care infrastructure ensures that residents have ready access to the care they need.

Environmental factors also play a role in asthma management. Pinehurst, like any location, may have environmental triggers such as pollen, mold, and air pollution that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The availability of resources to address these environmental factors, such as information on local air quality, allergy testing, and recommendations for home modifications, is important. Public health initiatives and community programs that promote healthy environments can also contribute to better asthma outcomes.

Data on hospital readmission rates for asthma can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of asthma management within the community. High readmission rates may indicate a need for improved patient education, medication adherence support, or coordination of care. Analyzing these rates can help identify areas where interventions are needed.

Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about asthma, medications, and environmental control measures, are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. Assessing the availability of educational materials, the use of patient-friendly language, and the provision of individualized education are important.

Finally, community resources, such as support groups, asthma education programs, and access to affordable medications, can significantly improve asthma care. The presence and accessibility of these resources contribute to a supportive environment for patients. Examining the availability and accessibility of these resources is crucial.

For a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pinehurst, including the location of healthcare providers, access to pharmacies, and environmental factors, explore the data with CartoChrome maps. This tool allows for a deeper dive into the spatial aspects of asthma care, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.