28511, Atlantic, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.14 percent of the residents in 28511 has some form of health insurance. 52.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.24 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 28511 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28511. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 204 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 59 health care providers accessible to residents in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28511 and Primary Care Availability in Atlantic

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on ZIP Code 28511 and the broader Atlantic region, evaluating physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all critical factors influencing asthma patient outcomes. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific geographical area.

ZIP Code 28511, encompassing a portion of the Atlantic area, presents a unique healthcare ecosystem. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is the initial step. This ratio directly impacts access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management interventions. Data from local health departments and insurance providers, alongside publicly available physician directories, would be essential to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28511. This ratio would then be compared to national and state averages to establish a baseline for comparison. A significantly lower ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is crucial. Asthma is a chronic condition requiring both ongoing primary care and specialized expertise. The proximity of these specialists to the patient population is paramount. The analysis would consider the geographic distribution of these specialists, mapping their locations relative to the population centers within 28511. Areas with limited specialist access would receive a lower score, reflecting the potential for delayed or inadequate asthma care.

Evaluating the characteristics of medical practices within 28511 is another vital component. We would examine factors such as practice size, hours of operation, and the availability of after-hours care. Larger practices, often with multiple providers, may offer greater appointment flexibility. Practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, who may experience exacerbations outside of standard business hours. The availability of after-hours care, either through on-call physicians or urgent care facilities, is a significant factor in mitigating asthma-related emergencies.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly relevant in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, improving access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The analysis would investigate the extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in 28511, evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), the platforms used, and the patient populations served. Practices with robust telemedicine programs would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to accessible and convenient care.

Mental health resources are frequently 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 analysis would assess the availability of mental health services within 28511 and the extent to which these services are integrated with primary care and asthma specialty practices. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of asthma.

Identifying standout practices within 28511 is a key element of the Asthma Score analysis. This would involve identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This could be achieved by reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, assessing the implementation of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and evaluating the use of quality improvement initiatives. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer personalized asthma action plans, and demonstrate positive patient outcomes would be highlighted as exemplary. These practices would serve as models for others in the region.

The Asthma Score would be calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its relative importance in influencing asthma patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and specialist availability might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific needs of the patient population. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in 28511 and the Atlantic area.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community resources that support asthma patients. This includes the availability of asthma education programs, support groups, and access to affordable medications. The involvement of local pharmacies in asthma management, such as providing medication counseling and monitoring, would also be assessed. These resources, when readily accessible, can significantly improve patient self-management and reduce asthma-related hospitalizations.

Finally, the analysis would consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can all negatively impact asthma outcomes. The analysis would identify any disparities in access to care and resources based on socioeconomic status and would recommend strategies to address these disparities. This might involve targeted outreach programs, financial assistance for medications, or culturally sensitive education materials.

The Asthma Score is not simply a numerical value; it's a tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 28511 and the broader Atlantic region. By identifying areas for improvement, this analysis can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations in their efforts to improve asthma care.

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