28425, Burgaw, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.17 percent of the residents in 28425 has some form of health insurance. 39.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.94 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 28425 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,349 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28425. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,873 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,694 health care providers accessible to residents in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina.

The analysis of asthma care in Burgaw, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28425), requires a multi-faceted approach, moving beyond simple metrics to assess the quality and accessibility of care. This investigation delves into physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all factors significantly impacting asthma management. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers and offer insights into potential improvements.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. While a precise, constantly updated ratio is difficult to obtain, publicly available data, combined with information from the North Carolina Medical Board, allows for a general assessment. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Within Burgaw, the ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a particularly relevant metric. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma patients, providing ongoing management and referrals to specialists when needed. The availability of pediatricians is also critical, considering the prevalence of asthma in children. Assessing the ratio of pediatricians to children in the area offers another vital data point.

Standout practices within Burgaw can be identified through various means. Online patient reviews, while subjective, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Examining the range of services offered is essential. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma management, including spirometry testing (lung function testing), allergy testing, and patient education programs, are more likely to provide superior care. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant indicator of quality, demonstrating a commitment to patient empowerment and self-management strategies. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing physicians to easily share information and track patient progress. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Burgaw. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients who face geographical barriers or have limited mobility. The availability of virtual consultations for asthma management, including medication adjustments and symptom monitoring, can significantly improve patient outcomes. Practices that utilize remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data electronically, can proactively manage asthma symptoms and prevent exacerbations. The integration of telemedicine into a practice’s workflow, including clear communication protocols and patient training, is critical for its effectiveness.

The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is often overlooked, yet it is a critical component of comprehensive management. Asthma can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and coordinating care with mental health professionals. The availability of support groups for asthma patients and their families is also a valuable resource, providing a sense of community and shared experience.

Analyzing the specific practices within Burgaw, a practice that consistently receives positive patient reviews, offers comprehensive asthma services, and employs certified asthma educators would be ranked highly. Another practice that has fully integrated telemedicine into its care model, including remote monitoring and virtual consultations, would also score well. A practice that actively addresses the mental health needs of its asthma patients, providing access to counseling and support groups, would be considered a standout. Conversely, practices with limited services, long wait times, or a lack of telemedicine options would likely receive lower rankings.

The overall asthma score for Burgaw, NC (28425) would be a composite score, reflecting the various factors discussed. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized asthma services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would be a relative measure, comparing Burgaw's asthma care landscape to regional and national benchmarks. The goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The analysis would also consider the availability of specialists. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, access to pulmonologists (lung specialists) and allergists is crucial for managing complex asthma cases. The proximity of these specialists, and the ease with which patients can be referred, is an important factor in the overall asthma score. The presence of emergency care facilities, equipped to handle asthma exacerbations, is another critical element.

In conclusion, the asthma score for Burgaw, NC (28425), is not simply a numerical value but a reflection of the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of asthma care in the community. It is a dynamic assessment, influenced by various factors, and should be continuously monitored to identify areas for improvement. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients can work together to improve asthma management and outcomes.

Want to visualize this data and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Burgaw and surrounding areas? Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify potential areas for improvement.