28452, Longwood, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28452, Longwood, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.84 percent of the residents in 28452 has some form of health insurance. 50.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.81 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 28452 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 37 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28452. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 82 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,245 health care providers accessible to residents in 28452, Longwood, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28452 & Primary Care in Longwood

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 28452 (likely a coastal North Carolina area, as a starting point) and the availability of primary care in Longwood, Florida, assessing key factors that contribute to an "Asthma Score." This score, while not a formal metric, represents a qualitative assessment of the resources and access patients with asthma have to comprehensive care. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective asthma management.

**ZIP Code 28452: Coastal Considerations**

The coastal environment often presents unique challenges for asthma sufferers. High humidity, the presence of mold and allergens, and potential for increased air pollution from marine traffic can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, the availability and quality of healthcare services are paramount.

Physician-to-patient ratios in 28452, if mirroring typical rural or coastal areas, may present a challenge. A lower density of physicians, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for specialized care. This scarcity, coupled with the seasonal influx of tourists, could further strain healthcare resources.

Standout practices within the ZIP Code would ideally demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes offering:

* **Specialized Expertise:** Board-certified pulmonologists and allergists are essential.
* **Advanced Diagnostics:** Access to pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and allergy testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
* **Patient Education:** Robust asthma education programs, covering inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and action plans, are critical.
* **Coordination of Care:** Effective communication and collaboration with primary care physicians and other specialists are vital.

The adoption of telemedicine within 28452 could significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in remote areas or with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms and offering virtual asthma education sessions would receive a higher score.

Mental health considerations are increasingly recognized as integral to asthma management. Chronic respiratory conditions can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices integrating mental health screenings and providing access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, would be highly valued. This might include offering counseling services, support groups, or partnerships with mental health providers.

**Primary Care Availability in Longwood: A Suburban Perspective**

Longwood, Florida, a suburban area, likely presents a different set of circumstances. The physician-to-patient ratio might be more favorable than in a rural or coastal setting. However, the sheer number of residents and the potential for a high concentration of patients with asthma due to environmental factors (pollen, air quality) could still strain primary care resources.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the foundation of asthma management. PCPs play a critical role in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring. The Asthma Score would be positively impacted by the presence of a sufficient number of PCPs accepting new patients and offering timely appointments.

Standout primary care practices in Longwood should exhibit:

* **Asthma-Focused Training:** PCPs with specific training or experience in asthma management.
* **Comprehensive Asthma Protocols:** Established protocols for diagnosing, treating, and managing asthma, including the use of asthma action plans.
* **Specialist Referrals:** Efficient referral pathways to pulmonologists and allergists when necessary.
* **Preventative Care:** Emphasis on preventative measures, such as flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines, to minimize exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption in Longwood, while potentially more widespread than in 28452, still warrants careful evaluation. Practices offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication refills, and education sessions would be highly rated. The ease of access and convenience of telemedicine can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources are equally important in Longwood. Primary care practices integrating mental health screenings and providing access to mental health professionals would significantly enhance their Asthma Score. This could involve offering on-site counseling, referrals to mental health specialists, or partnerships with community mental health organizations. The suburban environment may present unique stressors, making mental health support even more crucial.

**Comparative Analysis and Scoring Considerations**

The Asthma Score for 28452 and Longwood would be determined by a weighted assessment of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratios would carry significant weight, followed by the presence of specialized expertise, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The quality of patient education programs and the availability of advanced diagnostics would also be crucial.

For 28452, the score might be lower initially due to potential challenges in physician density and the coastal environment. However, practices demonstrating a strong commitment to comprehensive care, telemedicine, and mental health integration could achieve a respectable score.

Longwood, with its potentially higher physician density, might initially score higher. However, the ultimate score would depend on the quality of primary care practices, the availability of specialist referrals, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating the "Asthma Score" requires a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. The integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, along with the presence of specialized expertise and robust patient education programs, are essential for providing comprehensive asthma care.

To gain a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare resources in these areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and telemedicine availability, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a dynamic and informative view of the healthcare landscape, empowering patients and healthcare providers alike.