28447, Ivanhoe, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28447, Ivanhoe, North Carolina is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.97 percent of the residents in 28447 has some form of health insurance. 54.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.03 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 28447 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 361 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28447. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 233 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 343 health care providers accessible to residents in 28447, Ivanhoe, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28447 and Primary Care Availability in Ivanhoe**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28447, encompassing Ivanhoe, North Carolina, to assess the availability and quality of primary care services, with a particular focus on asthma management. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, providing a comprehensive “Asthma Score” perspective.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 28447 is a crucial starting point. This ratio directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state-level medical boards provides the raw numbers. However, simply counting physicians isn't enough. We need to consider the specialty of those physicians, the acceptance of new patients, and the hours of operation.

Ivanhoe, being a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Physician shortages are a persistent problem. The distance patients must travel to see a doctor can be a significant barrier, particularly for those with chronic conditions like asthma, which require regular monitoring and quick access to care during exacerbations. This geographic isolation can be a major factor impacting the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within 28447 is vital. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches, and a commitment to the community. A high Asthma Score would reflect practices with:

* **Specialized Asthma Management:** Practices offering specialized asthma management programs, including pulmonary function testing, personalized action plans, and patient education, would contribute positively to the score.
* **Comprehensive Care:** Practices integrating primary care with other services like allergy testing, immunizations, and respiratory therapy improve the Asthma Score.
* **Patient-Centered Approach:** Practices emphasizing patient communication, shared decision-making, and cultural sensitivity would enhance the patient experience and improve adherence to treatment plans, leading to a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine can bridge the gap created by geographical barriers, providing access to care for patients who might otherwise struggle to see a doctor. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Remote consultations for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and symptom management.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Use of wearable devices and remote monitoring systems to track lung function, medication adherence, and environmental triggers.
* **Education and Support:** Online educational resources and support groups to empower patients to manage their asthma effectively.

The Asthma Score would be elevated for practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms and demonstrating positive patient outcomes through its use. The accessibility and quality of the technology itself is important.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, but they are crucial. Asthma can be a source of significant stress and anxiety, and poorly managed mental health can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Practices with a high Asthma Score would offer:

* **On-site Mental Health Services:** Access to psychologists, therapists, or counselors to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
* **Integration of Mental Health into Asthma Care:** Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals to provide holistic care.
* **Referral Networks:** Strong referral networks to connect patients with mental health specialists in the community.

The presence and accessibility of these resources significantly impact the Asthma Score, reflecting a comprehensive approach to patient well-being.

To calculate the Asthma Score, we would need to gather data from multiple sources. This includes:

* **Public Health Data:** Data on physician-to-patient ratios, asthma prevalence, and hospitalization rates in 28447.
* **Practice Surveys:** Surveys of primary care practices in the area to gather information on their services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.
* **Patient Feedback:** Patient surveys and reviews to assess patient satisfaction, access to care, and the quality of communication with healthcare providers.

This data would be weighted and combined to generate an Asthma Score, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area.

The analysis would need to consider the specific challenges faced by Ivanhoe. Rural communities often have limited resources and face unique barriers to healthcare access. The Asthma Score would need to take these factors into account, recognizing that a "good" score in a rural area might look different than a "good" score in an urban setting.

The final Asthma Score would not be a static number. It would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts of healthcare providers to improve asthma care in the community. Regular updates and revisions would be necessary to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The score would be used to guide resource allocation, inform policy decisions, and empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare.

The Asthma Score is not just about numbers; it's about people. It's about ensuring that residents of Ivanhoe and surrounding areas have access to high-quality, comprehensive asthma care. It's about empowering patients to manage their condition effectively and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28447 and aiding in identifying areas for improvement.