28443, Hampstead, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28443, Hampstead, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.80 percent of the residents in 28443 has some form of health insurance. 30.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.26 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 28443 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,355 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28443. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,323 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,476 health care providers accessible to residents in 28443, Hampstead, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hampstead, NC (ZIP Code 28443)

Analyzing asthma care within Hampstead, North Carolina (ZIP code 28443) necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering factors from physician availability to integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. The goal is to illuminate strengths and weaknesses, ultimately guiding patients toward optimal healthcare options.

The foundation of any robust asthma care system lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Hampstead's primary care landscape is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and diminished individualized attention. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, is necessary to calculate an accurate ratio specific to this ZIP code. If the ratio reveals a shortage, this immediately impacts the "Asthma Score" negatively.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Are PCPs well-versed in the latest asthma guidelines, including those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)? Do they routinely assess asthma control using validated tools like the Asthma Control Test (ACT)? Are they proactive in educating patients about triggers, medication adherence, and emergency action plans? Practices that demonstrate these qualities would receive higher marks in our "Asthma Score" evaluation.

Specific practices within Hampstead deserve scrutiny. Identifying standout practices involves researching those with strong reputations for asthma management. This includes assessing patient reviews, checking for accreditations from relevant organizations, and examining their approach to chronic disease management. Practices that offer specialized asthma education programs, respiratory therapy services, or readily available asthma-specific medications would score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape. For asthma patients, telemedicine offers several advantages. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual check-ups, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring devices, would significantly enhance their "Asthma Score." This is particularly relevant for patients who live far from the practice or have mobility limitations.

Mental health integration is another critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that acknowledge this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health resources, such as counseling or support groups, would receive higher marks. The presence of on-site therapists or strong referral networks to mental health professionals is a positive indicator.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized care should be considered. While primary care forms the backbone, access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is vital for managing complex asthma cases. The proximity of specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of specialized testing (e.g., pulmonary function tests, allergy testing) all influence the "Asthma Score." A well-coordinated referral system ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of care when needed.

Emergency care access is another important factor. The presence of a well-equipped emergency room in the area, with staff trained in asthma management, is crucial for handling acute asthma exacerbations. Proximity to hospitals and the efficiency of emergency services directly impact the "Asthma Score."

The "Asthma Score" itself is a composite measure. It would be derived from a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, would be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. The final score would then provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care quality and accessibility in Hampstead.

To further refine this analysis, consider the following:

* **Insurance Coverage:** The acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices is crucial for accessibility.
* **Medication Availability:** The ease of obtaining asthma medications, including inhalers and rescue medications, is a factor.
* **Patient Education Materials:** The availability of educational resources, in multiple languages if necessary, improves patient understanding.
* **Community Resources:** The presence of local asthma support groups or educational programs offered by community organizations can boost the "Asthma Score."

The "Asthma Score" is not a static measure. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking new practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Hampstead requires a thorough examination of physician availability, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and access to specialized services. The "Asthma Score" provides a framework for assessing these factors and identifying areas for improvement.

For a dynamic and visually compelling representation of this data, including practice locations, specialist availability, and other relevant factors, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.