28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.71 percent of the residents in 28468 has some form of health insurance. 55.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.46 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 28468 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 418 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28468. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,138 health care providers accessible to residents in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care and primary care accessibility in Sunset Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28468) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the landscape of available physicians, the quality of care provided, and the resources available to manage this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis, an “Asthma Score” assessment, will delve into several key areas, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for residents.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Understanding how many primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists are available per capita provides a baseline for access. We need to determine the total population of Sunset Beach and then identify the number of practicing physicians within the 28468 ZIP code, or those readily accessible to residents. This data, ideally sourced from state medical boards, insurance provider directories, and local hospital affiliations, allows for a crude calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per resident, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing care. The specific ratio will be a major determinant of the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices of physicians and their approaches to asthma management. Factors to consider include the use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of specialized services. Does the practice routinely assess asthma control using standardized questionnaires? Are patients provided with personalized asthma action plans? Are they educated on proper inhaler technique and environmental control measures? These are essential elements of high-quality asthma care. We'll need to assess practices’ adherence to national guidelines.

Standout practices will be those that demonstrably excel in these areas. Identifying these practices requires gathering information from multiple sources. Patient reviews, if available, can offer insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Hospital affiliation data may indicate access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes will be highly regarded. Their commitment to patient education and proactive management will be key.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural or underserved areas. The ability to access virtual consultations, medication refills, and ongoing monitoring can significantly improve asthma management. Practices that offer telemedicine options will receive a higher score, recognizing the convenience and accessibility they provide. This is especially important for follow-up appointments and routine asthma check-ups. The ease of access to telehealth is a crucial component.

Mental health resources are also integral to comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, and co-existing mental health conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the practice or through referral networks is essential. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these resources will be awarded a higher score. This includes the availability of therapists and psychiatrists.

The Asthma Score, therefore, is not a single metric but a composite assessment. It will be calculated by weighting the different factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care (including adherence to guidelines, patient education, and the availability of specialized services), telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources will all be considered. Each factor will be scored independently, and these scores will be combined to produce an overall Asthma Score for the region.

The specifics of the score will depend on the data available. However, the general methodology is clear. We will gather data from multiple sources, including physician directories, patient reviews, and practice websites. We will then assess each practice based on the criteria outlined above. The final Asthma Score will provide a valuable overview of the asthma care landscape in Sunset Beach.

The availability of primary care physicians is also a key factor. Asthma management often involves regular check-ups with a PCP, particularly for medication refills and general health maintenance. The accessibility of primary care physicians is a critical factor. We must examine the number of PCPs available within the ZIP code or within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors such as travel time and appointment availability.

The analysis will also need to consider the demographics of the population, including age, socioeconomic status, and health insurance coverage. These factors can significantly impact access to care and the ability to manage asthma effectively. The presence of a large elderly population, for example, may increase the demand for asthma care.

The data collection will be a challenge. We will need to gather information from multiple sources. Publicly available data, such as physician directories and hospital websites, will be the primary sources. Patient reviews and online forums can also provide insights into the patient experience. However, the availability and reliability of this data will vary.

The final Asthma Score will be a snapshot of the current state of asthma care in Sunset Beach. It will provide valuable information for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis will not be perfect. Data limitations and the inherent complexity of healthcare delivery will make it difficult to provide a definitive assessment. However, the Asthma Score will offer a valuable starting point for understanding the healthcare environment in Sunset Beach and identifying opportunities to improve asthma care.

The ultimate goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health. The data will be presented in a user-friendly format, making it easy for residents to understand the findings.

The analysis will also highlight the importance of patient advocacy and community involvement. Residents can play a crucial role in improving asthma care by sharing their experiences, advocating for better access to care, and supporting local healthcare initiatives.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of healthcare access and quality in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, is crucial. This comprehensive Asthma Score analysis, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources, will provide valuable insights. Ready to visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape in Sunset Beach and beyond? Visit CartoChrome maps today to unlock powerful mapping tools and gain a deeper understanding of your community's health resources.