28403, Wilmington, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28403, Wilmington, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.41 percent of the residents in 28403 has some form of health insurance. 24.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.55 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 28403 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,239 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28403. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,082 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,878 health care providers accessible to residents in 28403, Wilmington, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28403)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Wilmington, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28403) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of asthma management, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. We'll assess these factors to create an "Asthma Score" for the area, providing insights into the accessibility and efficacy of asthma care for residents.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Wilmington, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratio data fluctuates, readily available public health resources and local medical society websites offer valuable insights into this critical metric. The presence of a robust primary care network is the cornerstone of asthma management, from initial diagnosis and treatment plans to ongoing monitoring and adjustments.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts asthma outcomes. We must consider factors like the training and experience of the physicians, the availability of specialized asthma clinics or programs, and the integration of evidence-based guidelines into patient care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control and medication adherence, are likely to provide superior care. Patient reviews, online ratings, and reports from local advocacy groups can offer valuable perspectives on the patient experience within these practices.

Standout practices in Wilmington deserve specific recognition. These are the clinics and providers that consistently demonstrate excellence in asthma management. They may achieve this through a combination of factors, including: a dedicated asthma specialist, a comprehensive asthma education program for patients and families, and a commitment to using the latest diagnostic and treatment protocols. Identifying these standout practices involves a deeper dive into their specific offerings and performance metrics. This can include assessing their adherence to national asthma guidelines, their patient satisfaction scores, and their utilization of advanced technologies to monitor and manage asthma symptoms.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma care, particularly in areas with limited access to in-person appointments. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Wilmington is a key component of our Asthma Score analysis. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and online patient education resources are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients with chronic asthma, allowing for regular check-ins and adjustments to treatment plans without the need for frequent office visits.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a crucial element of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling services, or that readily refer patients to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can improve asthma control and overall patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the integration of technology in asthma management is an important aspect. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) allows for better coordination of care, improved medication management, and more effective communication between physicians and patients. Practices that utilize EHRs to track asthma symptoms, medication adherence, and lung function tests are better positioned to personalize treatment plans and optimize patient outcomes. Additionally, the use of mobile apps and wearable devices to monitor asthma symptoms and provide real-time feedback can empower patients to take a more active role in their own care.

When evaluating the Asthma Score for Wilmington, we must consider the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma prevalence and outcomes. Areas with higher rates of poverty, limited access to healthcare, and environmental hazards, such as poor air quality, may experience a greater burden of asthma. Addressing these social determinants of health is essential to achieving equitable asthma care for all residents. This involves community outreach programs, partnerships with local organizations, and advocacy for policies that promote healthy environments.

The quality of asthma education programs is also a key factor. Effective asthma education empowers patients to manage their condition effectively, understand their medications, recognize early warning signs of asthma exacerbations, and develop self-management plans. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs, including individual counseling, group classes, and online resources, are better positioned to improve patient outcomes. These programs should be tailored to the specific needs of the patient population, considering factors such as age, language, and cultural background.

Finally, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is important, particularly for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to specialists is crucial for complex cases. The proximity of specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists all contribute to the overall quality of asthma care in the area.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for ZIP Code 28403 requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, the quality of asthma management, the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, and the consideration of socioeconomic factors. This analysis provides a general overview of the current situation.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wilmington and visualize the distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide detailed information on physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points.