28405, Wilmington, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.12 percent of the residents in 28405 has some form of health insurance. 35.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.99 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 28405 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,971 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28405. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,723 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,508 health care providers accessible to residents in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Asthma management within the 28405 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Wilmington, North Carolina, presents a complex landscape. Assessing the quality of care necessitates a nuanced understanding of several interconnected factors, including physician accessibility, resource availability, and the integration of innovative healthcare delivery models. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” perspective, ranking the quality of asthma care for residents, specifically focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and the overall healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is access to primary care. Within the 28405 ZIP code, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical determinant of care quality. A lower ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, less individualized care. Analyzing this ratio requires examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the area, factoring in their patient load, and accounting for specialists who may offer asthma-related care. A scarcity of PCPs, coupled with a high patient load, would negatively impact the “Asthma Score.” Conversely, a robust presence of PCPs, particularly those with specialized training or a demonstrated interest in respiratory health, would positively influence the score.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are the practices geographically dispersed, or are they concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating healthcare deserts for some residents? Proximity to care is crucial, especially for individuals experiencing acute asthma exacerbations. The ease of access to a PCP, whether measured by travel time, transportation options, or the availability of same-day appointments, directly impacts the ability to manage asthma effectively.

Several primary care practices within the 28405 ZIP code stand out for their commitment to asthma care. Evaluating these practices requires examining their approach to asthma management. Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment? Do they offer comprehensive asthma education programs for patients and their families? Do they actively monitor patients' asthma control, using tools like asthma action plans and regular symptom assessments? Practices that demonstrate a proactive and patient-centered approach, incorporating these elements, would receive higher marks in the “Asthma Score” analysis.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can significantly improve asthma management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited access to in-person care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient and accessible virtual appointments, would contribute positively to the overall score. The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma care.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Chronic respiratory conditions can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health resources, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which patients can access them, would significantly influence the “Asthma Score.”

The integration of specialized asthma care is also important. While PCPs are the primary point of contact, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. Analyzing the availability of these specialists within the 28405 ZIP code, and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals, is crucial. A well-coordinated healthcare system, where PCPs and specialists collaborate effectively, leads to better patient outcomes and a higher “Asthma Score.”

Finally, the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and certified asthma educators, plays a vital role. These professionals provide essential support, including medication education, inhaler technique training, and environmental control strategies. Practices that employ or have strong partnerships with these resources enhance the quality of asthma care and contribute to a higher “Asthma Score.”

The “Asthma Score” for doctors in the 28405 ZIP code is not a static metric. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular monitoring of physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources is essential to ensure that residents receive the best possible care. The practices that prioritize patient-centered care, embrace innovation, and collaborate effectively will consistently achieve higher scores.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 28405 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for analyzing healthcare data, enabling you to identify areas with high physician density, assess access to specialized care, and visualize the distribution of resources.