28526, Dover, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28526, Dover, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.21 percent of the residents in 28526 has some form of health insurance. 56.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.89 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 28526 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 720 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28526. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 570 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,170 health care providers accessible to residents in 28526, Dover, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Dover, NC (ZIP Code 28526)**

The assessment of asthma care within Dover, North Carolina (ZIP code 28526), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in an overall "Asthma Score" reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for asthma sufferers in this specific locale.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Dover, a relatively small community, faces challenges common to rural areas. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to regular check-ups, and potentially delayed intervention for asthma exacerbations. Accurate data on the specific PCP-to-patient ratio within 28526 is essential. Local and state health departments, along with publicly available databases like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), are key sources for this information.

Primary care availability, however, is not solely determined by the number of physicians. The distribution of those physicians across the community is equally important. Are PCPs clustered in one area, creating accessibility issues for residents in other parts of the ZIP code? Transportation challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility or financial resources, can further exacerbate this problem. Public transportation options, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities to residential areas all contribute to the overall accessibility score.

Beyond general availability, the characteristics of the medical practices themselves significantly influence the quality of asthma care. Are practices equipped with the necessary resources for asthma management? This includes spirometry testing capabilities, which are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring lung function. Do practices employ certified asthma educators who can provide patient education on medication use, environmental control strategies, and asthma action plans? The presence of these resources directly impacts the ability of patients to effectively manage their condition.

Certain practices within Dover may stand out for their commitment to asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a review of patient testimonials, online reviews, and potentially direct inquiries to local healthcare providers. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding their asthma management protocols, patient communication, and overall responsiveness to patient needs would score higher. These practices often serve as models for others in the community.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption within Dover’s medical practices is a critical factor in the Asthma Score calculation. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those who live far from their doctor’s office. The extent to which practices have integrated telemedicine into their asthma care protocols, the ease of use of their telemedicine platforms, and the availability of telehealth services to patients all contribute to the score.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities in asthma patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Dover healthcare landscape is a crucial component of the Asthma Score. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as support groups and educational programs. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and provide referrals to appropriate resources will receive a higher score. Integrated care models, where mental health services are offered within the primary care setting, are particularly beneficial.

The Asthma Score for Dover (28526) is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. The score is influenced by various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Dover, NC, hinges on the availability of primary care, the resources within those practices, and the integration of telehealth and mental health services. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of asthma care in the community. The score should be used to identify areas for improvement and to promote better health outcomes for asthma sufferers.

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points within Dover, NC (28526), consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize healthcare data in a dynamic and accessible format, providing a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about your health.