28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.73 percent of the residents in 28445 has some form of health insurance. 29.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.14 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 28445 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,928 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28445. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,568 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 781 health care providers accessible to residents in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 28445, encompassing Holly Ridge, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, termed an "Asthma Score," will assess the quality and accessibility of care, focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) and their ability to manage asthma effectively. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on the availability of primary care. Holly Ridge, like many rural areas, faces challenges in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care. Data from reliable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, must be consulted to accurately determine the current ratio in 28445. This figure, coupled with the average patient load per physician, provides a baseline for assessing accessibility. A low ratio, combined with a high average patient load, would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond mere numbers, the scope of primary care services offered is crucial. Does each practice in Holly Ridge offer comprehensive asthma management? This includes routine check-ups, medication prescriptions and refills, patient education on triggers and management techniques, and referrals to specialists when necessary. The presence of certified asthma educators within the practices is a significant positive indicator, as they provide specialized knowledge and support. The Asthma Score will consider the availability of these services within each practice.

Several practices in Holly Ridge may stand out in their approach to asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deep dive into their operational procedures and patient outcomes. This involves examining patient satisfaction surveys, assessing the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, and evaluating the frequency of emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to asthma among their patient population. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive management strategies, and collaboration with pulmonologists will receive higher scores. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to track asthma-related data, such as peak flow readings and medication adherence, are also important considerations.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients who live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling. Practices that offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and asthma education will score higher. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine data into the patient's medical record are all important aspects to consider. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for managing asthma exacerbations, allowing physicians to assess symptoms and provide timely interventions remotely.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in asthma management, but they are critical. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues, provide access to mental health professionals, or offer integrated behavioral health services will receive higher scores. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is essential for providing comprehensive care. The Asthma Score will assess the availability and integration of these resources within the primary care practices in Holly Ridge.

The Asthma Score must also take into account the availability of specialist care. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, pulmonologists are essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of pulmonologists, the ease of referral processes, and the collaboration between PCPs and pulmonologists are important factors. Practices that have established relationships with pulmonologists and can facilitate timely referrals will score higher. This collaboration ensures that patients receive the specialized care they need.

The Asthma Score is not just a numerical ranking; it's a holistic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem in 28445. It considers the availability of PCPs, the scope of services offered, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the collaboration with specialists. The aim is to identify strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

A practice with a high Asthma Score will demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive management strategies, and the use of technology to improve access and outcomes. This includes offering comprehensive asthma education, providing timely medication refills, and collaborating effectively with specialists. Conversely, practices with lower scores may need to improve their access to care, expand their services, and integrate mental health resources into their practice.

The Asthma Score should not be static. It requires continuous monitoring and evaluation. Regular updates, based on changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and patient feedback, are necessary to maintain its accuracy and relevance. The data used to generate the score must be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking physician turnover, the introduction of new telemedicine platforms, and the implementation of new asthma guidelines.

The ultimate goal of the Asthma Score is to improve the quality of asthma care in Holly Ridge. By providing a clear and comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, the score can help patients make informed decisions about their care, empower healthcare providers to improve their practices, and inform policymakers about areas needing improvement. The score will be useful for identifying gaps in care, highlighting best practices, and promoting a more patient-centered approach to asthma management.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of 28445, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility factors, consider using a powerful mapping tool. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to visualize the Asthma Score data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Holly Ridge.