28465, Oak Island, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28465, Oak Island, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.34 percent of the residents in 28465 has some form of health insurance. 42.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.54 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 28465 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28465. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,091 health care providers accessible to residents in 28465, Oak Island, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Oak Island (ZIP Code 28465)**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning a chronic condition like asthma, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Oak Island, North Carolina (ZIP code 28465), with specific attention to asthma management. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all factors that contribute to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall suitability of the area for asthma patients.

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially compromised chronic disease management. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimate of this ratio within the 28465 ZIP code. However, these figures often represent averages across larger geographic areas. The real picture requires a deeper dive, including identifying the number of practicing PCPs actively accepting new patients, and the size of their patient panels.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves evaluating practices known for their expertise in asthma care. Factors to consider include board certifications of physicians, the presence of certified asthma educators, the utilization of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are particularly valuable. This kind of assessment requires gathering data from various sources, including physician directories, patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), and potentially, direct contact with practices to inquire about their asthma management protocols.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in geographically isolated areas or those with mobility challenges. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, would score higher on the "Asthma Score." Assessing telemedicine adoption involves checking practice websites, calling to inquire about telehealth services, and reviewing insurance coverage for these services.

The integration of mental health resources is also paramount. Asthma, like many chronic illnesses, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that recognize this and offer, or can readily connect patients with, mental health support services are more supportive of holistic patient care. This could include having mental health professionals on staff, partnering with local mental health providers, or providing referrals to therapists and counselors specializing in chronic illness management. Evaluating this aspect involves examining practice websites, inquiring about mental health services during outreach, and reviewing patient testimonials.

The "Asthma Score" would be a composite measure, incorporating all these elements. It is not a single number but a nuanced assessment. A high score would indicate a favorable environment for asthma patients, with a good physician-to-patient ratio, readily available primary care, telemedicine options, and integrated mental health resources. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialized asthma care, lack of telemedicine, and inadequate mental health support.

The analysis of the 28465 ZIP code would involve a detailed investigation of the local healthcare landscape. This includes identifying all practicing PCPs, assessing their patient acceptance status, and determining their specialization in asthma care. It involves examining practice websites and calling to inquire about telemedicine options and mental health resources. Patient reviews and testimonials, while not definitive, offer valuable insights into patient experiences. This data collection and analysis would provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system regarding asthma management.

Specific examples of practices that excel in asthma care would be highlighted. This might include practices with board-certified allergists or pulmonologists, those that have implemented asthma management programs, or those with high patient satisfaction scores. The analysis would also identify any gaps in care, such as a shortage of specialists or a lack of mental health support.

The analysis would acknowledge the limitations of publicly available data. Physician-to-patient ratios, for example, might be based on broader geographic areas and not reflect the reality within the specific ZIP code. Patient reviews can be subjective and may not always provide a complete picture of the quality of care. The analysis would emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the local healthcare landscape to ensure that asthma patients receive the best possible care.

The final "Asthma Score" analysis would be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine adoption increases, and mental health resources become more available, the score would be updated to reflect these changes. This ongoing evaluation is essential to ensuring that asthma patients in Oak Island have access to the care they need. The analysis would also consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and delivery, particularly the increased adoption of telemedicine and the potential for disruptions in care.

In conclusion, the creation of an accurate "Asthma Score" for Oak Island (28465) necessitates a comprehensive and ongoing assessment of the local healthcare ecosystem. It requires a detailed examination of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The analysis will identify areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable insights for asthma patients seeking care in the area.

Are you interested in visualizing this data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Oak Island and beyond? Explore the power of geographic data analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into interactive visualizations, providing valuable insights into physician distribution, access to care, and other critical factors. Visit CartoChrome maps today to discover how you can leverage the power of location intelligence to improve healthcare decision-making.