28537, Hobucken, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28537, Hobucken, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28537 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 28537 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28537. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 99 health care providers accessible to residents in 28537, Hobucken, North Carolina.

The coastal community of Hobucken, North Carolina, nestled within the 28537 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning chronic conditions like asthma. Analyzing an “Asthma Score” for this area requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis delves into physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, explores telemedicine adoption, and examines the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of primary care availability.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often face challenges in this regard. The 28537 ZIP code likely experiences a lower physician density compared to more urban centers. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and a potential strain on existing primary care providers. The Asthma Score would reflect this, penalizing the area for limited access. The score would need to consider the number of primary care physicians, pediatricians (crucial for managing childhood asthma), and pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) within a reasonable travel distance.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in asthma management, can significantly influence the Asthma Score. Identifying these practices requires looking beyond just the number of physicians. Factors like the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of asthma action plans are vital. Practices that proactively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens and offer comprehensive asthma education would receive higher marks. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and track asthma-related outcomes (e.g., emergency room visits, hospitalizations) would contribute positively to the overall score. Information on these practices may be limited, requiring diligent research and potentially, direct outreach to local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in Hobucken. In a geographically isolated area, telemedicine can bridge the gap in access to care. Virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of lung function, and online asthma education resources can improve asthma management. The Asthma Score would reward practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms for patient care. However, the score must also consider the digital divide. Factors like internet access, patient technological literacy, and the availability of necessary equipment (e.g., smartphones, tablets) can limit the effectiveness of telemedicine. Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensuring equitable access to virtual care.

The often-overlooked connection between asthma and mental health is a critical component of the Asthma Score. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for holistic asthma management. Practices that screen for mental health concerns, offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would significantly enhance the Asthma Score. The lack of mental health resources would negatively impact the score, recognizing the detrimental impact of untreated mental health issues on asthma control.

Primary care availability in Hobucken forms the bedrock of asthma management. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The Asthma Score would heavily weigh the availability of primary care, considering factors like appointment availability, the acceptance of new patients, and the diversity of primary care providers (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine). The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, would be factored into the score, recognizing their contribution to expanding access.

The Asthma Score would also assess the availability of resources beyond the direct provision of medical care. This includes access to pharmacies for medication refills, availability of asthma-related educational materials in local languages, and the presence of community support groups. The score would also consider the area’s environmental factors, such as air quality and the prevalence of allergens, which can trigger asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score would penalize areas with poor air quality or high allergen levels, recognizing the impact of environmental factors on asthma control.

In conclusion, constructing a comprehensive Asthma Score for Hobucken, NC (28537) requires a nuanced understanding of healthcare access, resource availability, and the unique challenges faced by rural communities. While physician-to-patient ratios and primary care availability are fundamental, factors like telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and environmental considerations play a crucial role in determining the overall quality of asthma management. The score should reflect the reality of the local healthcare landscape, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses.

For a visually rich and interactive exploration of healthcare access in Hobucken and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a geospatial representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment in your area.