28532, Havelock, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28532, Havelock, North Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.81 percent of the residents in 28532 has some form of health insurance. 30.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.34 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 28532 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,622 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28532. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,852 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,910 health care providers accessible to residents in 28532, Havelock, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Havelock, NC (ZIP Code 28532)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Havelock, North Carolina (ZIP code 28532) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of an effective asthma management system. We will then synthesize these findings into an ‘Asthma Score’ framework, providing a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a foundational indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to appointment delays, reduced time per patient, and potentially, compromised care. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Havelock specifically for primary care physicians (PCPs) and, more critically, pulmonologists and allergists is vital. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to calculate these ratios. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that these figures represent a snapshot in time and may not fully reflect the current situation. Furthermore, the impact of commuting patterns, where residents may seek care outside of the immediate ZIP code, needs to be considered. A low ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within Havelock is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in asthma management, including comprehensive patient education, proactive medication management, and robust follow-up protocols. Assessing this requires examining several factors. Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication? Do they offer asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs? Do they have certified asthma educators on staff? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving asthma outcomes? Practices excelling in these areas would contribute positively to the overall Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those residing in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer these services, the types of platforms used, and the patient satisfaction levels with these virtual interactions. Practices with high telemedicine adoption rates and positive patient feedback would positively influence the Asthma Score.

The intersection of asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community, the ease of access to these services, and the integration of mental health support within primary care practices. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer referrals or integrated mental health services would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Synthesizing these factors into an ‘Asthma Score’ requires a weighted approach. The physician-to-patient ratio might carry a significant weight, reflecting its fundamental impact on access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources would then be assigned individual weights based on their relative importance. The final Asthma Score would be a composite score, providing a holistic view of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Havelock. The score would then be categorized into ranges to provide a more understandable assessment, such as: Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor.

The process of gathering data for this analysis would involve multiple sources. Publicly available data, as mentioned earlier, would be a starting point. Direct outreach to local practices, including surveys and interviews, would be essential to gather information on their services, staffing, and telemedicine adoption. Patient feedback, obtained through surveys or focus groups, would provide valuable insights into their experiences with asthma care in Havelock. The collation of all the data is essential to the accuracy of the Asthma Score.

The analysis would also consider the demographic characteristics of the population in Havelock. Factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence asthma prevalence and severity. Understanding these demographic factors is crucial for tailoring asthma management strategies and ensuring equitable access to care. The analysis would consider how these demographic factors intersect with the availability and quality of care.

The final Asthma Score would not only provide a numerical assessment but also include a narrative summary highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local asthma care system. This narrative would provide context and explain the reasoning behind the score. The summary would also include recommendations for improvement, such as suggestions for increasing the number of specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, or expanding mental health services. The recommendations would be specific and actionable, aimed at improving the overall quality of asthma care in Havelock.

The ‘Asthma Score’ framework is not static. It should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as new practices opening, technological advancements, or changes in healthcare policies. This ongoing monitoring and evaluation will ensure that the Asthma Score remains a relevant and useful tool for assessing and improving asthma care in Havelock. The goal is to create a dynamic system that supports the health and well-being of individuals living with asthma in the community.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice details, and demographic information, explore the power of location intelligence. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive platform to visualize the complex factors influencing asthma care in Havelock. Visualize the data and gain deeper insights.