28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.32 percent of the residents in 28384 has some form of health insurance. 48.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.94 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 28384 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,757 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28384. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,463 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,386 health care providers accessible to residents in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina.

Asthma management in Saint Pauls, North Carolina, within the 28384 ZIP code, presents a multifaceted challenge. Assessing the quality of care requires a nuanced understanding of physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies. This analysis will provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, considering various factors crucial for effective asthma management, focusing on the specific needs of the community.

The foundation of asthma care rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in Saint Pauls is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and local health departments are vital to determine the precise ratio. An unfavorable ratio directly impacts the 'Asthma Score', lowering it due to restricted access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the available primary care practices are paramount. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' schedules? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma management through these features would receive a higher 'Asthma Score'. Practices that are actively involved in patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers and management strategies, further enhance their score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Saint Pauls. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management, offering virtual check-ups, medication refills, and educational sessions, would see a substantial increase in their 'Asthma Score'. The ability to monitor patients' symptoms remotely through connected devices, such as peak flow meters, also contributes positively.

Mental health considerations are frequently intertwined with asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that causes anxiety and stress, potentially exacerbating symptoms and reducing quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. The availability of mental health resources directly influences the 'Asthma Score', reflecting the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of asthma patients.

Specific practices within the 28384 ZIP code deserve individual scrutiny. Identifying standout practices requires a detailed analysis of their services and patient outcomes. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellent asthma control, as measured by metrics like reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations, would receive a higher 'Asthma Score'. Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience, further refining the assessment.

The 'Asthma Score' is not a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare. Changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of mental health services can all influence the score over time. The score must be regularly updated to accurately reflect the current state of asthma care in Saint Pauls.

The 'Asthma Score' analysis also considers the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists and allergists is crucial for patients with complex or severe asthma. The proximity of these specialists, either within the 28384 ZIP code or in nearby areas, directly impacts the 'Asthma Score'. Easy access to specialized care ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of expertise and treatment.

Medication availability and affordability are also key factors. Practices that offer assistance with medication costs, either through patient assistance programs or by providing information on affordable generic options, enhance their 'Asthma Score'. The ease with which patients can obtain their prescribed medications, including the availability of local pharmacies, also plays a role.

Community resources, such as support groups and asthma education programs, are essential for empowering patients and improving their self-management skills. Practices that collaborate with community organizations to provide these resources receive a higher 'Asthma Score'. These programs often offer valuable information on asthma triggers, medication use, and emergency management, helping patients to live healthier lives.

The 'Asthma Score' is designed to be a comprehensive evaluation of asthma care, incorporating factors such as physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialized care, medication affordability, and community resources. The score provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Saint Pauls, allowing for targeted improvements.

Ultimately, improving asthma care in Saint Pauls requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and patients must work together to address the challenges and create a healthcare system that effectively manages asthma. The 'Asthma Score' provides a starting point for this collaboration, highlighting areas that need attention and celebrating successes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saint Pauls, including the distribution of physicians, practice locations, and the availability of resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their mapping technology allows you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of asthma care in the 28384 ZIP code.