28436, Delco, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28436, Delco, North Carolina is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.53 percent of the residents in 28436 has some form of health insurance. 31.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.17 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 28436 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 400 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28436. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28436, Delco, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 28436 Physicians and Delco Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly regarding asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines the landscape for asthma sufferers within ZIP code 28436 and compares it to primary care availability in Delaware County (Delco), focusing on key factors influencing asthma care. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify exemplary practices, assess telemedicine integration, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of effective asthma management.

**28436: A Localized View**

ZIP code 28436, a specific geographic area, likely presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. To accurately assess the asthma care environment, we need to consider several elements. The number of practicing physicians, particularly those specializing in pulmonology or primary care with a strong focus on respiratory health, is a critical starting point. Physician-to-patient ratios provide a snapshot of accessibility. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for asthma.

The quality of care is also paramount. We need to evaluate the presence of board-certified pulmonologists, allergists, and primary care physicians with expertise in asthma management. Are there any standout practices within 28436 known for their patient-centered approach, commitment to asthma education, and utilization of the latest treatment guidelines? Identifying these exemplary practices can serve as benchmarks for other providers in the area.

**Delco Primary Care: A Broader Perspective**

Delaware County, or Delco, presents a broader view of primary care accessibility. The availability of primary care physicians is fundamental to asthma management. Primary care providers often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms. They can diagnose asthma, initiate treatment plans, and provide ongoing monitoring. The density of primary care physicians throughout Delco directly impacts the ease with which residents can access care.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the distribution of primary care practices across the county is crucial. Are there underserved areas where access to primary care is limited? This can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including those with chronic conditions like asthma. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers can help bridge these gaps, offering affordable and accessible care to those in need.

**Telemedicine and Asthma Management**

Telemedicine is increasingly playing a vital role in healthcare delivery, and its impact on asthma management is significant. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating virtual consultations, medication management, and asthma education. The adoption of telemedicine technologies within 28436 and Delco’s primary care practices is therefore a crucial factor in our analysis.

Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Telehealth can also reduce the burden on emergency departments by providing timely access to medical advice and interventions. We need to assess the extent to which physicians in both areas are utilizing telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered remotely (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication refills, asthma action plan reviews), and the patient satisfaction levels with these services.

**Mental Health: An Often-Overlooked Component**

Asthma can significantly impact mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, the physical limitations it imposes, and the potential for exacerbations can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. A comprehensive asthma care plan should therefore address the mental health needs of patients.

The availability of mental health resources within 28436 and Delco is therefore a critical component of our analysis. Do primary care practices have integrated mental health services? Are there readily accessible mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses? The presence of support groups, educational programs, and other resources can also contribute to improved mental well-being for asthma sufferers.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Deeper Dive**

Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. We need to gather data on the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists practicing within 28436 and across Delco. This data must be compared to the population size of each area to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio (e.g., a high number of patients per physician) indicates a potential shortage of providers, which could lead to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer health outcomes for asthma sufferers.

Conversely, a high ratio suggests a greater availability of physicians. However, even with a high ratio, access can be limited if physicians are not accepting new patients, if their practices are not easily accessible, or if they lack the necessary expertise in asthma management. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis must consider not only the physician-to-patient ratio but also the quality of care, the availability of specialized services, and the overall accessibility of healthcare resources.

**Standout Practices: Identifying Excellence**

Identifying standout practices within 28436 and Delco is essential. These practices serve as models of excellence in asthma care. We need to investigate practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, a focus on asthma education, and the utilization of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Key indicators of excellence include:

* **Patient education programs:** Do practices offer educational resources on asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management techniques?
* **Asthma action plans:** Do practices provide personalized asthma action plans for each patient?
* **Regular monitoring:** Do practices regularly monitor patients' asthma control and adjust treatment plans as needed?
* **Telemedicine integration:** Do practices utilize telemedicine to improve access to care and provide remote monitoring?
* **Mental health support:** Do practices offer or refer patients to mental health services?
* **Patient satisfaction:** Do practices consistently receive positive feedback from patients?

**Conclusion**

Effectively managing asthma requires a multifaceted approach that considers not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Analyzing the healthcare landscape within 28436 and Delco requires a comprehensive assessment of these factors. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within these specific geographic areas. Further research, including data collection and analysis, is needed to provide a more detailed and actionable assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, practice locations, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility and quality of asthma care in 28436 and Delco.