28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.52 percent of the residents in 28460 has some form of health insurance. 26.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.32 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 28460 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,568 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28460. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,515 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 702 health care providers accessible to residents in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Sneads Ferry (ZIP Code 28460)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina (ZIP code 28460) requires a nuanced understanding of its primary care resources, particularly concerning asthma management. This analysis will explore physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the accessibility and quality of care for asthma patients within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Sneads Ferry, like many rural or semi-rural communities, might face challenges in physician-to-patient ratios. While precise figures fluctuate, it is crucial to evaluate the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to appointment delays, reduced time per patient, and potentially compromised asthma management. This is a crucial factor when developing an asthma score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors directly impact a patient's ability to access timely care, a critical aspect of asthma control. Practices that are readily accessible and offer flexible scheduling options will contribute positively to the asthma score. The availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is another key element. Spirometry is essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma. Practices equipped with this technology can provide more comprehensive care.

Telemedicine is increasingly playing a role in healthcare delivery, and its adoption rate is a significant factor in the asthma score. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, which is especially beneficial for asthma patients who may need regular check-ups or medication adjustments. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients who live far from the clinic or have mobility issues. The availability of virtual asthma education programs or remote monitoring tools further enhances the value of telemedicine.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management, but it is crucial for overall well-being. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health resources, either within the primary care practice or through referrals, is a vital component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and asthma and provide appropriate support will score higher in this assessment.

Assessing the practices in Sneads Ferry, we can look for any standout practices. These are practices that excel in providing patient-centered asthma care. They might have dedicated asthma educators, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, or actively participate in asthma-related community outreach programs. These practices serve as models for best practices and can significantly improve the asthma score for the entire community. Identifying these practices is essential to understand the overall quality of care.

Developing an ‘Asthma Score’ requires a systematic approach. We would need to gather data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance in asthma management. For example, physician availability might be weighted more heavily than the availability of weekend appointments. The data would then be used to calculate an overall score for each practice, and a composite score for the entire ZIP code.

The final asthma score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Sneads Ferry. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater emphasis on patient-centered care. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, or improving mental health support.

The assessment would need to be regularly updated. Healthcare landscapes evolve. New physicians may arrive, practices may adopt new technologies, and community needs may change. Regular updates would ensure that the asthma score remains an accurate reflection of the current state of asthma care in Sneads Ferry. This would allow for continuous improvement and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

The analysis should consider the patient's perspective. Patient satisfaction surveys, feedback mechanisms, and community engagement are vital components of a comprehensive assessment. Understanding the patient's experience with asthma care can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement. Patient feedback can highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the existing healthcare system.

The assessment also should consider the role of local hospitals and urgent care facilities. While primary care is the cornerstone of asthma management, the availability of emergency services and specialized care is essential. Proximity to a hospital with a dedicated respiratory care unit can significantly impact the asthma score. The ability to access urgent care services for acute asthma exacerbations is also a crucial factor.

This detailed analysis would provide a clear picture of asthma care in Sneads Ferry. It would help identify areas of strength and weakness, inform healthcare providers, and guide efforts to improve asthma management for the community. The score would be a dynamic tool, constantly evolving to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps.