28519, Bridgeton, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28519, Bridgeton, North Carolina is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.19 percent of the residents in 28519 has some form of health insurance. 42.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.16 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 28519 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28519. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 68 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,513 health care providers accessible to residents in 28519, Bridgeton, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28519 and Primary Care in Bridgeton, NC

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28519, encompassing the town of Bridgeton, North Carolina, requires a nuanced understanding of asthma prevalence, primary care access, and the resources available to manage this chronic respiratory condition. The following analysis provides an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors that directly impact asthma patients' ability to receive timely and effective care. This assessment goes beyond simple physician counts, delving into physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in managing asthma effectively.

The foundation of any asthma management strategy rests on accessible primary care. In Bridgeton, primary care availability is a critical determinant of asthma outcomes. This includes not just the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also their capacity to see patients promptly, especially those experiencing acute asthma exacerbations. The physician-to-patient ratio in 28519 is a key indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions and increasing the risk of severe asthma attacks. Data on appointment availability, including same-day and next-day options, is also essential. Practices that prioritize timely access, through efficient scheduling systems and extended hours, will score higher in our assessment.

Specialization within primary care is another important consideration. While all PCPs can manage asthma, some may have a particular interest or expertise in respiratory conditions. Identifying physicians with specialized training or experience in asthma management, perhaps through continuing medical education or affiliations with pulmonology specialists, can significantly improve the quality of care. This includes the ability to perform or order necessary diagnostic tests, such as spirometry, and to provide comprehensive asthma education and personalized treatment plans.

Beyond the core primary care structure, the integration of telemedicine plays an increasingly vital role. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for asthma management, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for routine check-ups and follow-up care, will score higher. This is especially beneficial for patients in rural areas like Bridgeton, where travel distances can be a barrier to care. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of peak flow readings and symptom diaries, allowing physicians to proactively adjust treatment plans and prevent exacerbations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to asthma management. Asthma can be a stressful condition, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support, either within primary care practices or through referrals to local therapists and counselors, is a critical component of holistic asthma care. Practices that recognize the link between mental and physical health, offering integrated mental health services or readily accessible referral pathways, will receive a higher score. This includes access to mental health professionals who are familiar with the challenges faced by individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

Standout practices within 28519 will be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that: have a low physician-to-patient ratio; offer same-day or next-day appointments; have physicians with specialized asthma training; actively utilize telemedicine for patient consultations and monitoring; and provide or readily refer patients to mental health services. These practices are likely to achieve better patient outcomes, including fewer asthma exacerbations, improved quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs.

To assess the asthma score for doctors in 28519, a comprehensive data collection process is needed. This would involve gathering information on physician demographics, practice locations, appointment availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health service integration. Publicly available data sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and insurance provider directories, can be used to gather some of this information. However, a more thorough assessment would require direct contact with primary care practices to gather detailed information about their asthma management protocols and resources.

The analysis would then involve assigning points based on the criteria outlined above, creating a weighted scoring system to reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio and readily available appointments might receive a higher score than a practice with a higher ratio and longer wait times. Similarly, practices that actively utilize telemedicine and offer mental health support would receive additional points.

The final "Asthma Score" would provide a valuable tool for patients in Bridgeton, helping them identify practices that are best equipped to meet their asthma care needs. This score would also be a useful resource for healthcare providers, highlighting areas where they can improve their asthma management practices and better serve their patients.

The assessment would also consider the availability of specialized asthma clinics or pulmonologists within a reasonable travel distance. While primary care forms the foundation of asthma management, access to specialized care is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The presence of nearby pulmonologists and their ability to provide timely consultations and advanced treatments, such as biologic therapies, would positively influence the overall asthma score for the area.

Furthermore, the analysis would incorporate data on asthma prevalence within 28519. This information, obtained from public health agencies or local health surveys, would provide context for the assessment, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the healthcare resources available to meet the community's needs. Areas with a higher prevalence of asthma may require more robust healthcare infrastructure and resources.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma score for doctors in 28519 and primary care availability in Bridgeton involves a multifaceted approach. It necessitates evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, specialized training, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized asthma care. By considering these factors, a comprehensive "Asthma Score" can be developed, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 28519 and beyond, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, explore the power of geospatial data.
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