28421, Atkinson, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.34 percent of the residents in 28421 has some form of health insurance. 37.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.12 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 28421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 408 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 365 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses the quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 28421 (which encompasses Atkinson, North Carolina) and its surrounding areas. This evaluation considers factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive asthma management.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Atkinson, the density of primary care physicians and specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is likely lower than in more urban settings. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment adjustments for asthma patients. Assessing the exact ratio requires data on the number of physicians actively practicing within the specified geographic area and the population they serve. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. Furthermore, the availability of pediatricians is crucial, as asthma often manifests in childhood. The presence of pediatric specialists in the area is also a critical consideration.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to exemplary asthma care. These practices typically employ evidence-based guidelines, offering comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs. They often have certified asthma educators who provide patient education on proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and symptom management. These practices might also participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and implementing strategies to optimize care. Identifying these practices requires analyzing patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized services (like pulmonary function testing), and evaluating the practice's adherence to national asthma guidelines.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can hinder access to care. Practices that offer telehealth consultations can significantly improve access for asthma patients, allowing for remote monitoring, medication adjustments, and follow-up appointments. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with frequent exacerbations or those living in areas with limited access to specialists. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing the availability of virtual consultations, the types of services offered remotely (e.g., medication refills, symptom monitoring), and the practice's use of remote patient monitoring devices.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management, but are crucial for overall well-being. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration can involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, or collaborations with community mental health organizations. Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires evaluating the practice's referral network, the availability of mental health screenings, and the practice's awareness of the link between asthma and mental health.

Primary care availability in Atkinson is a crucial factor in overall health outcomes, including asthma management. A strong primary care base provides a foundation for preventative care, chronic disease management, and timely referrals to specialists. The availability of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants is essential. Factors influencing primary care availability include the number of providers, the hours of operation, the acceptance of new patients, and the insurance plans accepted. The proximity of primary care clinics to residents is another significant factor, especially for those with limited transportation options.

The Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 28421 would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would be higher for areas with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a concentration of practices that provide comprehensive asthma care, a robust telemedicine infrastructure, and a strong integration of mental health services. The score would be lower in areas with limited access to care, practices that do not adhere to best practices, a lack of telemedicine options, and a deficiency in mental health resources.

The assessment of primary care availability in Atkinson would also contribute to the overall score. A higher score would reflect a robust primary care system with ample providers, convenient access, and a strong focus on preventative care. A lower score would indicate limited access to primary care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes, including poorly managed asthma.

The data used to create this Asthma Score would come from a variety of sources. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board, the US Census Bureau, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would provide information on physician availability and demographics. Patient reviews, practice websites, and insurance provider directories would offer insights into practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Local community resources and healthcare organizations could provide information on primary care availability and access.

The final Asthma Score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would enable patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, help providers identify areas for improvement, and inform policymakers about the need for resources and interventions.

For a comprehensive visualization of healthcare resources in Atkinson and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful way to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare services and identify areas with the greatest need.