28391, Stedman, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28391, Stedman, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.82 percent of the residents in 28391 has some form of health insurance. 31.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.90 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 28391 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,428 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28391. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 839 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 697 health care providers accessible to residents in 28391, Stedman, North Carolina.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts quality of life. Effective management hinges on accessible, high-quality primary care. This analysis examines asthma care availability and quality in ZIP Code 28391, encompassing Stedman, North Carolina, focusing on physician resources, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a call to action for visualizing this data.

Assessing the landscape of primary care in Stedman (ZIP Code 28391) reveals a critical need for robust asthma management strategies. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma patients' ability to receive timely diagnoses, medication adjustments, and preventative care. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and ultimately, less comprehensive care for asthma sufferers. Publicly available data on these ratios provides a starting point. However, the actual impact is complex, influenced by factors like the age and health of the population, the prevalence of asthma, and the presence of specialized asthma clinics or respiratory therapists. A thorough analysis would involve comparing the physician-to-patient ratio in 28391 to state and national averages, identifying any significant disparities.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the adherence of local practices to national asthma guidelines. Key elements include comprehensive asthma action plans, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, and patient education on triggers, medication use, and inhaler techniques. Practices that actively engage in these practices demonstrate a commitment to optimal asthma management. Identifying standout practices within the Stedman area requires reviewing patient testimonials, physician reviews, and data on patient outcomes, such as hospital readmission rates for asthma exacerbations. These metrics can help identify practices that excel in asthma care and serve as models for others.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to enhance asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas like Stedman. Remote consultations, medication refills, and symptom monitoring via telehealth platforms can reduce the burden on patients, especially those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The adoption rate of telemedicine among local primary care practices is a crucial factor. Practices that have embraced telehealth can provide more frequent check-ins, offer quick responses to patient concerns, and tailor care to individual needs. This is especially important in managing asthma, where early intervention can prevent severe attacks. The availability of remote monitoring devices, like peak flow meters that connect to smartphones, further enhances the ability to manage asthma effectively from home.

Mental health considerations are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Effective asthma management requires addressing these mental health needs. Primary care practices should ideally have integrated mental health resources or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and proactively address these concerns demonstrate a holistic approach to asthma care. The availability of these resources in Stedman is a crucial factor in assessing the overall quality of asthma care.

Furthermore, the availability of patient education materials is essential. Asthma patients need to understand their condition, triggers, and medications. Practices that provide educational materials, such as pamphlets, online resources, and group classes, empower patients to actively participate in their care. This can improve adherence to medication regimens and reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations. The quality and accessibility of these educational resources are important indicators of practice quality.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Stedman, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the adherence of practices to national asthma guidelines, evaluating telemedicine adoption rates, and examining the availability of mental health resources. This data should then be analyzed to create an asthma score, which would rank practices based on their performance in these key areas. This score could be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, guiding them towards the practices that offer the best asthma care.

The analysis of asthma care in Stedman should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma management. These include access to affordable healthcare, insurance coverage, and the presence of environmental triggers, such as air pollution and allergens. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to improving asthma outcomes. This may involve partnerships with community organizations, public health initiatives, and advocacy groups.

The ultimate goal is to create a system that supports asthma patients in Stedman. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, we can work towards improving the quality and accessibility of asthma care. This requires a commitment to data-driven decision-making, patient-centered care, and ongoing evaluation. The creation of an asthma score can be a valuable tool in achieving this goal.

For visualizing the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in Stedman (ZIP Code 28391), we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform allows you to visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, providing a powerful tool for analyzing and improving asthma care in the community.