28504, Kinston, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28504, Kinston, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.10 percent of the residents in 28504 has some form of health insurance. 48.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.50 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 28504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28504. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,529 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 669 health care providers accessible to residents in 28504, Kinston, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kinston, NC (ZIP Code 28504)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within Kinston, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28504) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, specialized asthma resources, and ancillary support systems, aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score will be a qualitative evaluation, reflecting the overall accessibility and effectiveness of asthma management within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of good asthma care rests heavily on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Kinston, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can create significant barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed interventions during acute asthma exacerbations. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau are essential to accurately determine this ratio. The analysis must also consider the age and demographic characteristics of the population, as certain groups (e.g., children, the elderly, and specific racial/ethnic groups) may have a higher prevalence of asthma and therefore require more intensive care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and specialization of available primary care are critical. Are PCPs in Kinston equipped with the latest guidelines and best practices for asthma management? Do they have experience in treating diverse patient populations, including those with complex comorbidities? Examining the credentials and training of local physicians, as well as their participation in continuing medical education (CME) programs related to asthma, will contribute to a more accurate assessment of the quality of care. Furthermore, the presence of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists in the area, or readily accessible through referral networks, is a significant positive indicator. These specialists often provide advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and specialized expertise in managing severe or difficult-to-control asthma cases.

Standout practices within the Kinston area should be identified. These practices may demonstrate excellence in asthma management through various means. For example, some practices may have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who provide comprehensive patient education on topics such as inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and action plans for managing asthma symptoms. Others may have integrated electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient data management, medication reconciliation, and communication between healthcare providers. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and strive for continuous improvement in their asthma care delivery should be recognized as exemplary.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial aspect of this analysis. Telemedicine, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual asthma education sessions, can significantly enhance access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. The availability of telemedicine services in Kinston can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enable more timely interventions during asthma exacerbations. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among local PCPs and specialists, the types of telemedicine services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services are essential components of the Asthma Score assessment.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma, especially when poorly controlled, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services in Kinston is a critical factor. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who are familiar with the psychological challenges associated with chronic respiratory conditions. Examining the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, the availability of support groups for asthma patients, and the coordination between mental health providers and asthma specialists will contribute to a more holistic assessment of asthma care.

The analysis must also consider the availability of community resources. Asthma management is not solely the responsibility of healthcare providers; it requires a collaborative effort involving patients, families, schools, and community organizations. The presence of local asthma support groups, educational programs offered by community health centers, and collaborations between healthcare providers and schools to address asthma triggers in the school environment are all positive indicators. Furthermore, the availability of affordable medications and access to financial assistance programs for asthma patients can significantly improve their ability to adhere to treatment plans and control their symptoms.

Finally, the analysis must consider the social determinants of health. Factors such as housing quality, exposure to environmental pollutants, and socioeconomic status can significantly impact asthma prevalence and severity. Assessing the prevalence of asthma triggers in the Kinston environment, such as mold, dust mites, and air pollution, is essential. Furthermore, understanding the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, including poverty rates and access to health insurance, can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by asthma patients in the area.

The Asthma Score for Kinston, NC (28504) will be a composite score, reflecting the availability and quality of primary care, the presence of specialized asthma resources, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, the availability of community resources, and the consideration of social determinants of health. This score will provide a valuable assessment of the overall accessibility and effectiveness of asthma management in the area, ultimately informing efforts to improve the health and well-being of asthma patients in Kinston.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of resources and asthma prevalence within Kinston and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.