28399, White Oak, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28399, White Oak, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.67 percent of the residents in 28399 has some form of health insurance. 62.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.20 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 28399 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 357 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28399. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 238 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,014 health care providers accessible to residents in 28399, White Oak, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28399 and Primary Care in White Oak

This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' ranking for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28399, encompassing the White Oak area, with a focus on asthma management and overall healthcare accessibility. The score will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma care.

Evaluating healthcare access in a rural area like White Oak necessitates a nuanced approach. The geographical isolation and potential for limited resources necessitate a careful examination of the available healthcare infrastructure. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, requires consistent monitoring, medication adherence, and proactive management to minimize exacerbations and maintain quality of life. Therefore, the quality and accessibility of primary care, including specialized asthma expertise, are paramount.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of accessibility. A high ratio, reflecting fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially inadequate follow-up care. In ZIP code 28399, the physician-to-patient ratio needs to be compared against national and state averages to ascertain the level of access. If the ratio is unfavorable, it suggests a potential bottleneck in accessing primary care, directly impacting asthma patients who require regular check-ups and medication refills. Data on this ratio needs to be collected from public sources such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the North Carolina Medical Board.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. These practices may demonstrate exemplary asthma management protocols, including the use of standardized asthma action plans, patient education programs, and readily available resources. A practice that integrates asthma management into its overall care model, including respiratory therapists, nurses, and potentially specialists, would be highly valued. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice would significantly improve its score. Further, a practice's commitment to patient education, including training on inhaler techniques and trigger avoidance, is a key differentiator.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address the challenges of geographical isolation, providing remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up care. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial, allowing for virtual check-ups, monitoring of symptoms, and quick access to medical advice, especially during exacerbations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the availability of technical support are also important considerations.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is increasingly recognized as vital for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, and the presence of mental health professionals or access to mental health services within the primary care setting can significantly improve patient outcomes. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health providers would receive a higher score. This integration ensures a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of asthma.

The 'Asthma Score' will be determined by a combination of the above factors. Practices demonstrating a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, adopting telemedicine, integrating mental health resources, and implementing exemplary asthma management protocols will receive a higher score. Conversely, practices with limited resources, poor accessibility, and a lack of comprehensive asthma management strategies will receive a lower score. This score will be a relative ranking, comparing practices within ZIP code 28399 to each other and, if possible, against regional or national benchmarks.

Data collection will be a crucial part of this process. Information on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will need to be gathered from various sources. This includes publicly available databases, practice websites, and potentially direct surveys of the practices themselves. The accuracy and reliability of the data are paramount to ensure the validity of the 'Asthma Score'.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma management. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can significantly affect a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The 'Asthma Score' will consider these factors, recognizing that practices serving underserved populations may face additional challenges in providing optimal asthma care. The score will give credit to practices that actively work to overcome these barriers, such as offering sliding-scale fees or providing transportation assistance.

The final 'Asthma Score' will be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of primary care practices within ZIP code 28399 in relation to asthma management. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the factors considered. The goal is to provide valuable information to patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve asthma care in the White Oak area.

This analysis is designed to be a dynamic tool, subject to ongoing updates and revisions as new information becomes available. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the 'Asthma Score' will need to adapt to reflect these changes. This includes incorporating new technologies, emerging best practices, and evolving patient needs. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive and reliable resource that promotes better asthma care and improves the overall health and well-being of the residents of White Oak.

To visualize and understand the geographical distribution of primary care resources, the accessibility of healthcare providers, and the impact of socioeconomic factors, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent the 'Asthma Score' ranking, highlighting areas with high-quality asthma care and identifying areas with unmet needs. **Visit CartoChrome maps today to see how geospatial analysis can improve your understanding of healthcare accessibility in ZIP code 28399.**