28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.95 percent of the residents in 28429 has some form of health insurance. 37.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.83 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 28429 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,513 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 13 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28429. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,649 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,693 health care providers accessible to residents in 28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on asthma management and primary care access within ZIP Code 28429, encompassing Castle Hayne, North Carolina. This evaluation considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telehealth and mental health services, all crucial components of effective asthma care.

The physician-to-patient ratio within 28429 presents a significant challenge. While precise figures fluctuate, the area generally experiences a shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population size. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying timely asthma diagnosis and management. Further complicating the situation is the geographic distribution of existing practices. Residents in more remote areas of Castle Hayne may face greater difficulty accessing care, necessitating longer travel distances. This disparity underscores the need for innovative solutions to improve access.

Several primary care practices in and around 28429 demonstrate commendable efforts in asthma management. These practices often employ certified asthma educators who provide patient education on proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans. Such practices prioritize comprehensive care, integrating pulmonary function testing and regular follow-up appointments to monitor disease control. However, the overall availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists, remains a concern. Patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may need to travel outside the immediate area for specialized consultations and treatment.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to address the challenges of limited physician availability. Practices adopting telehealth platforms can provide virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those residing in geographically isolated areas. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine hinges on several factors, including patient access to technology, reliable internet connectivity, and physician comfort with virtual care delivery. The degree of telemedicine adoption within 28429 varies, with some practices embracing it more fully than others.

The integration of mental health services is another critical aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer on-site mental health support or referrals to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of such integrated services within 28429 appears to be limited, highlighting a potential area for improvement. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential to address the complex needs of asthma patients.

The characteristics of individual practices within 28429 significantly influence the quality of asthma care. Some practices stand out for their commitment to patient education, proactive management of asthma triggers, and close monitoring of disease control. These practices often employ a multidisciplinary approach, involving nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) facilitates efficient communication and coordination of care, leading to better patient outcomes. Practices that utilize EHRs to track asthma exacerbations, medication adherence, and other relevant data can tailor their treatment plans more effectively.

The availability of after-hours care and emergency services is also a crucial consideration. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and prompt access to medical attention is essential to prevent serious complications. Practices that offer extended hours or have established relationships with urgent care centers provide valuable support for patients. Furthermore, the proximity to emergency rooms and the efficiency of local emergency medical services (EMS) play a vital role in managing acute asthma exacerbations. The effectiveness of these services directly impacts the overall asthma score for the area.

The socioeconomic factors within 28429 also influence asthma management. Patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face barriers to accessing care, such as lack of health insurance, transportation difficulties, and limited access to healthy housing. These factors can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase the risk of hospitalizations. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to improving asthma outcomes in the area. Community-based initiatives that provide asthma education, medication assistance, and environmental interventions can play a significant role in mitigating these challenges.

The overall asthma score for 28429 reflects a complex interplay of factors. While some practices demonstrate excellence in asthma management, the area faces challenges related to physician availability, access to specialized care, and the integration of mental health services. Telemedicine adoption offers a potential solution to improve access, but its successful implementation requires careful consideration of patient needs and technological infrastructure. Addressing the social determinants of health is essential to ensuring equitable asthma care for all residents.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care within 28429, explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform to analyze healthcare resources and identify areas with unmet needs.