28518, Beulaville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.17 percent of the residents in 28518 has some form of health insurance. 45.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.59 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 28518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,898 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28518. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,451 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 280 health care providers accessible to residents in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 28518 and assessing primary care accessibility in Beulaville requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. We must delve into the quality of care, resource availability, and innovative practices to formulate a meaningful 'Asthma Score' and evaluate primary care accessibility. This analysis will focus on the specific parameters mentioned, aiming for a clear and actionable assessment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental starting point. However, raw numbers alone are insufficient. We need to ascertain the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and allergists actively practicing within 28518. This data, ideally sourced from the North Carolina Medical Board or similar regulatory bodies, must be cross-referenced with the estimated population of the area. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could signal potential access challenges, especially for specialized care like pulmonology and allergy. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a vital role in primary care and asthma management, should also be factored in.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of these physicians is crucial. Are they concentrated in a single clinic or hospital, or are they dispersed throughout the ZIP code, offering greater accessibility for residents? Geographical barriers, such as distance and transportation limitations, significantly impact access to care, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma who require regular check-ups and potential emergency visits.

Standout practices within the area merit specific attention. Identifying clinics or hospitals that demonstrate exemplary asthma management protocols is essential. This includes evaluating their adherence to national guidelines (e.g., those from the National Institutes of Health), the use of standardized asthma action plans, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma education, including inhaler technique training and trigger avoidance strategies, should be highly regarded.

Furthermore, we need to investigate the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing physicians to easily access patient histories, medication lists, and test results. Interoperability, the ability of different EHR systems to communicate with each other, is particularly important for patients who may see multiple specialists or receive care in different settings.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor, especially in rural areas like Beulaville. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers and provide convenient access to care, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for asthma follow-up visits and education, should receive higher scores. The availability of telehealth services for mental health, which can significantly impact asthma control, is especially important.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is a critical component of a comprehensive asthma care assessment. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, either through on-site providers or referral networks, is particularly beneficial.

The availability of these resources within the local community is also essential. This includes pharmacies, respiratory therapists, and support groups. The presence of pharmacies that carry a wide range of asthma medications and offer convenient refill options is crucial. Respiratory therapists can provide valuable education and support to patients, helping them manage their asthma effectively. Support groups offer a valuable opportunity for patients to connect with others who have similar experiences and share coping strategies.

For Beulaville specifically, the primary care accessibility analysis must consider the factors discussed above, but with a focus on the unique challenges of a rural community. This includes assessing the availability of transportation options for patients who may not have personal vehicles, the presence of community health centers, and the availability of outreach programs.

The 'Asthma Score' for doctors in 28518 and the primary care accessibility assessment for Beulaville are interconnected. A high-quality asthma care environment relies on a strong primary care foundation. A well-functioning primary care system can identify patients at risk of asthma, provide early intervention, and coordinate care with specialists. Conversely, a lack of access to primary care can hinder asthma management, leading to increased hospitalizations and reduced quality of life.

To arrive at a final 'Asthma Score', we would need to assign weights to each of the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratios might account for 15% of the score, while adherence to national guidelines might account for 20%. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resource integration would each contribute a significant percentage. The specific weights would depend on the priorities and values of the assessment.

The final score would be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. This score could be used to identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, or improving patient education programs. The primary care accessibility assessment for Beulaville would be integrated into the overall score, reflecting the impact of primary care on asthma management.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating asthma care and primary care accessibility. A more in-depth investigation would require access to specific data and a detailed assessment of the practices and resources within the area. The process of gathering and analyzing this information would be complex, but the resulting insights could be invaluable for improving asthma care and access to healthcare for the residents of 28518 and Beulaville.

To visualize this data and gain a spatial understanding of physician distribution, access to care, and other relevant factors, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.