28433, Clarkton, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28433, Clarkton, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.58 percent of the residents in 28433 has some form of health insurance. 58.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.38 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 28433 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,383 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28433. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 994 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,208 health care providers accessible to residents in 28433, Clarkton, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28433 & Clarkton Primary Care

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 28433, which encompasses the Clarkton, NC area, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the quality of asthma management provided, the accessibility of specialized care, and the integration of supportive resources like mental health services. This analysis will culminate in an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the overall health of the asthma care landscape within the specified geographic parameters.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management begins with accessible primary care. In Clarkton, the availability of PCPs directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, develop personalized treatment plans, and secure ongoing monitoring. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, compromised care. Data regarding this ratio in Clarkton is essential for a comprehensive evaluation, but without specific figures, we must rely on general observations and available public health data.

Primary care practices in the area should be assessed on their commitment to asthma-specific protocols. Do they routinely screen patients for asthma symptoms? Are they equipped to perform spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool? Do they provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency action plans? Practices that prioritize these elements demonstrate a higher level of asthma care. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers is vital. Seamless information sharing facilitates better coordination of care, especially for patients requiring specialist referrals.

Specialist care, including pulmonologists and allergists, plays a vital role in managing severe or uncontrolled asthma cases. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists are crucial. Patients in Clarkton might need to travel to larger cities like Wilmington or Fayetteville to access these specialized services. This travel burden can impact the frequency of specialist visits and potentially hinder adherence to treatment plans. The availability of transportation assistance programs for patients with limited mobility or financial constraints should also be considered.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth consultations can offer patients convenient access to their PCPs or specialists, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in Clarkton is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. The chronic nature of asthma, coupled with the potential for exacerbations and hospitalizations, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their care models demonstrate a more holistic approach. This might include on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or educational programs that address the psychological aspects of living with asthma.

The Asthma Score for ZIP Code 28433, and specifically Clarkton, is ultimately a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with readily available PCPs, specialist access, robust asthma-specific protocols, telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest significant challenges in accessing and receiving adequate asthma care.

The absence of specific data regarding physician-to-patient ratios, practice-specific protocols, and telemedicine adoption rates makes a precise scoring challenging. However, based on general observations and the potential for rural healthcare disparities, the Asthma Score for Clarkton is likely moderate. Improvements in PCP availability, increased telemedicine adoption, and greater integration of mental health resources would significantly elevate this score.

To improve the Asthma Score, several strategies could be implemented. Recruiting more PCPs to the area is paramount. Supporting existing practices in adopting asthma-specific protocols and EHR interoperability is crucial. Promoting telemedicine adoption through financial incentives or training programs would also be beneficial. Finally, establishing partnerships with mental health providers to offer integrated care is essential.

The current state of asthma care in Clarkton is a snapshot in time. The dynamics of healthcare are constantly evolving. Ongoing monitoring and assessment are crucial to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Data-driven insights are essential for informed decision-making and resource allocation.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Clarkton and surrounding areas, including the distribution of healthcare providers, population demographics, and potential healthcare disparities, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of geographic data, enabling users to identify patterns, trends, and areas of need. By visualizing the data, stakeholders can make more informed decisions about healthcare resource allocation and improve access to care for individuals living with asthma.