28470, Shallotte, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28470, Shallotte, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.50 percent of the residents in 28470 has some form of health insurance. 50.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.26 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 28470 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,564 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28470. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,474 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,625 health care providers accessible to residents in 28470, Shallotte, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Shallotte, NC (ZIP Code 28470)

Shallotte, North Carolina (ZIP code 28470), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing the "Asthma Score" for physicians and primary care availability requires a nuanced approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis delves into the specifics, examining physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for enhanced visualization tools.

The foundation of an "Asthma Score" lies in access to quality primary care. In Shallotte, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma management. A low PCP-to-patient ratio suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, crucial for asthma patients. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater accessibility, potentially leading to better asthma control. The specific ratio in 28470 is a critical data point. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. This initial assessment forms the base score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Assessing the Asthma Score requires evaluating the expertise of local physicians in asthma management. This involves examining board certifications, specializations (e.g., pulmonology), and experience treating asthma patients. Physician reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, while subjective, offer insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. The presence of asthma-specific protocols within a practice, such as standardized asthma action plans and regular pulmonary function testing, further elevates the score. Practices actively participating in asthma-related research or community outreach programs would also receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption emerges as a crucial factor, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring, potentially reducing the frequency of in-person visits and improving patient convenience. Practices offering telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication refills, would receive higher scores. The ease of access to these services, including the availability of user-friendly platforms and clear instructions for patients, is also important. The Asthma Score should reflect the degree to which telemedicine is integrated into routine asthma care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a significant role in asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic illness, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score should incorporate an assessment of the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through referrals. This includes evaluating whether PCPs screen for mental health issues, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, and collaborate with mental health providers to provide integrated care. The presence of on-site mental health professionals or partnerships with local mental health clinics would significantly enhance the score.

Identifying "standout practices" within 28470 requires a deeper dive. This involves examining practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care across multiple dimensions. These practices might have a high PCP-to-patient ratio, experienced physicians, robust telemedicine programs, and strong mental health support systems. They may also be actively involved in patient education and community outreach. A comprehensive Asthma Score would highlight these practices, providing valuable information for patients seeking optimal asthma care. This would involve a detailed review of each practice, using available data and potentially patient surveys to assess performance.

The specific features of each practice are crucial. For example, the availability of after-hours care, including urgent care clinics or on-call physicians, is essential for managing asthma exacerbations. The presence of respiratory therapists within a practice or access to specialized asthma education programs also contribute positively to the score. The Asthma Score must reflect the comprehensive nature of asthma care, encompassing all aspects of patient needs.

The geographical distribution of primary care physicians is another important factor. Patients in rural areas like Shallotte may face challenges in accessing care due to travel distances. The Asthma Score should consider the proximity of physicians to patients' homes, particularly those with limited transportation options. This involves mapping physician locations and analyzing accessibility based on driving times and public transportation availability.

Data collection and analysis are paramount. Gathering data from various sources, including physician directories, insurance providers, and patient surveys, is necessary to create a robust Asthma Score. The data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice offerings, and patient needs. The methodology for calculating the score should be transparent and clearly defined, allowing for ongoing refinement and improvement.

The Asthma Score also considers the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for managing complex cases. The score should reflect the proximity and availability of these specialists, including the ease of referral from primary care physicians. The presence of specialized asthma clinics or centers of excellence would significantly enhance the score.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should consider the socioeconomic factors that influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and poor housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The score should incorporate data on these factors, recognizing the need for a holistic approach to asthma management. This includes assessing the availability of social services and community resources that support patients with asthma.

Finally, the Asthma Score should be easily accessible and understandable to patients. The information should be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care. This could involve creating a user-friendly online platform or providing printed materials that summarize the key findings.

To truly understand the complexities of asthma care in Shallotte and visualize the data effectively, consider the power of interactive mapping. The Asthma Score data, combined with geographical information, can be transformed into a dynamic map that highlights physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources.

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