28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.36 percent of the residents in 28430 has some form of health insurance. 39.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.72 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 28430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 425 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28430. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 407 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Cerro Gordo, NC (ZIP Code 28430)

Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, a small community nestled in Columbus County, presents a unique challenge when analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly for individuals managing asthma. This analysis aims to assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28430 ZIP code, evaluating their capacity to manage asthma patients and the broader healthcare landscape, including telemedicine adoption and mental health resources. The assessment will culminate in a proposed "Asthma Score" for Cerro Gordo, providing a snapshot of the community's preparedness to support asthma sufferers.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in consistent access to primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Unfortunately, precise data on the physician-to-patient ratio specifically within the 28430 ZIP code is difficult to obtain without extensive, granular data from the state medical board and insurance providers. However, we can extrapolate based on county-level data and regional trends. Columbus County, in general, faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to a higher patient load per PCP compared to more urban areas. This scarcity of providers can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management interventions.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. While specific practice names are not readily available without extensive research, we can analyze general characteristics. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer extended hours, and have a dedicated asthma management program would likely score higher. Furthermore, practices that integrate respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators into their teams demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care. These practices would likely have better patient outcomes and a higher Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations offers several advantages, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialists, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for asthma management, including virtual check-ins, medication refills, and symptom tracking, would receive a significant boost in their Asthma Score. The degree of telemedicine adoption varies. Some practices may offer basic telehealth options, while others may have fully integrated telehealth into their standard of care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are critical. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that recognize this connection and offer integrated mental health services, or have strong referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This integration is a key component in a high Asthma Score.

To formulate an Asthma Score, we would consider several factors. First, the physician-to-patient ratio would be assessed, with a lower ratio (more physicians per capita) contributing to a higher score. Second, the presence of dedicated asthma management programs, including patient education and respiratory therapist involvement, would be evaluated. Third, the degree of telemedicine adoption, including the frequency and types of telehealth services offered, would be assessed. Fourth, the availability of integrated mental health services or strong referral pathways would be factored in. Finally, patient satisfaction surveys and outcome data, if available, would be incorporated to provide a comprehensive view of the quality of care.

Given the limited publicly available data, assigning a precise Asthma Score is difficult. However, based on the challenges of rural healthcare access and the potential for a higher patient load per PCP, we can estimate that Cerro Gordo's Asthma Score might be moderate. The score could be improved by increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health support.

The community could benefit from initiatives focused on improving healthcare access. This includes incentivizing physicians to practice in the area, promoting telemedicine adoption among existing practices, and increasing awareness of asthma management strategies. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to improve the Asthma Score.

The complexity of the healthcare landscape in Cerro Gordo necessitates a visual and interactive approach to fully understand the dynamics. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable tool for visualizing healthcare resources. By mapping the locations of PCPs, pharmacies, and mental health providers, and overlaying demographic data, CartoChrome maps can reveal patterns and disparities in access to care. They can help to identify areas with the greatest need and inform targeted interventions to improve asthma management.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cerro Gordo and the broader region, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visit their website to visualize the data and gain valuable insights into healthcare accessibility.