28455, Nakina, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.58 percent of the residents in 28455 has some form of health insurance. 40.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.64 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 28455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 745 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28455. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,707 health care providers accessible to residents in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Nakina, NC (ZIP Code 28455)

Assessing the quality of asthma care and primary care access in Nakina, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28455) requires a multifaceted approach. We'll analyze physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions to formulate an "Asthma Score" that reflects the community's ability to effectively manage this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis considers the specific challenges and opportunities presented by a rural setting.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible primary care. In Nakina, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios offers the first crucial data point. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. This, in turn, can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalizations. The actual physician-to-patient ratio within the 28455 ZIP code needs to be determined. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board or similar sources can provide insights into the number of licensed PCPs practicing within the area.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of existing practices are vital. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working families? Do they have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses trained in asthma management? The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant advantage, as they can provide personalized education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques. Practices that are part of larger healthcare networks often have access to a broader range of resources and specialists, potentially improving the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in a rural setting like Nakina. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma who may experience frequent exacerbations. However, the success of telemedicine hinges on reliable internet access and patient comfort with technology. Assessing the availability of telehealth services from local primary care practices, as well as the internet infrastructure within the community, is essential.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management, yet it is vitally important. Asthma can significantly impact quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for supporting patients. Do primary care practices in Nakina offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there referrals to mental health professionals within the community? The accessibility of these resources directly impacts a patient's ability to cope with the emotional challenges associated with asthma.

Identifying standout practices within the 28455 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. We need to look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care excellence. This might include those that have implemented asthma-specific protocols, participate in quality improvement initiatives, or have received recognition for their patient care. Patient testimonials and reviews, although subjective, can offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that actively engage with their patients, provide clear communication, and offer personalized care are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Nakina will be a composite of these factors. It will reflect the availability of primary care, the quality of practice characteristics, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. A high score would indicate a community well-equipped to provide comprehensive asthma care. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health support.

The specific data points required to calculate this score include the number of PCPs per capita, the percentage of practices accepting new patients, the availability of asthma educators, the presence of telemedicine services, and the availability of mental health resources. Additionally, data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits within the 28455 ZIP code would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current care.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and poor housing conditions can all exacerbate asthma symptoms. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve asthma care in Nakina. The presence of community health programs, such as those focused on asthma education or home environmental modifications, can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Ultimately, the goal of this "Asthma Score" analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in Nakina, identifying both strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations about the areas that require attention and improvement. It can also help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Nakina, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points, providing a clear and concise overview of the community's healthcare resources.