28538, Hookerton, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28538, Hookerton, North Carolina is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.73 percent of the residents in 28538 has some form of health insurance. 37.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.95 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 28538 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 551 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28538. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 336 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,034 health care providers accessible to residents in 28538, Hookerton, North Carolina.

Analyzing the asthma landscape within ZIP Code 28538, encompassing the town of Hookerton, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. An 'Asthma Score' analysis, designed to evaluate healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma sufferers, necessitates a deep dive into physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telehealth and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their asthma care.

The cornerstone of any asthma score is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Hookerton, as a relatively small community, likely experiences challenges common to rural areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and limited ongoing management of asthma. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other relevant sources should be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 28538 ZIP code. This figure will directly influence the accessibility component of the asthma score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the available practices are critical. Do practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, crucial for many asthma patients? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Are there dedicated asthma educators or nurses who can provide patients with the necessary training on inhaler techniques, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans? Practices that excel in these areas would receive higher scores, contributing positively to the overall asthma score.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, especially for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. Practices that actively utilize telehealth platforms, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring, will score higher. The availability of telehealth also provides a degree of resilience in the face of unforeseen events, such as pandemics or severe weather, which can disrupt access to in-person care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are intrinsically linked to asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health specialists, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. The availability of such resources is a key component of a robust asthma score, reflecting a commitment to addressing the psychological aspects of the disease.

Identifying standout practices within the 28538 ZIP code requires a deeper investigation. This involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and potentially conducting site visits to assess the quality of care firsthand. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in asthma management, evidenced by positive patient outcomes, proactive patient education, and a commitment to utilizing the latest treatment guidelines, would be considered standout practices. These practices would serve as models for other providers and contribute significantly to a higher overall asthma score for the community.

The asthma score is not static; it is a dynamic measure that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare landscape. The introduction of new technologies, the expansion of telehealth services, and the availability of new medications can all influence the asthma score. Furthermore, the score should be tailored to the specific needs of the community. For example, if a significant portion of the population is elderly, the score should prioritize practices that specialize in geriatric care.

Data accuracy is paramount. Relying on outdated or incomplete information can lead to inaccurate conclusions. Regular data collection and verification are essential to ensure the reliability of the asthma score. This includes verifying physician availability, insurance acceptance, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health resource integration.

The final asthma score for ZIP Code 28538 would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the various factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a specific weight based on its importance. For example, physician availability might be weighted more heavily than the availability of mental health resources, depending on the specific needs of the community. The resulting score would provide a clear and concise assessment of the asthma care landscape, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

In conclusion, the asthma score analysis for Hookerton (28538) reveals a need for careful assessment of primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A comprehensive approach, incorporating these factors, will yield a more accurate and valuable assessment of asthma care in this community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hookerton, including the location of practices, physician availability, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help you visualize and understand the complexities of healthcare access in your community.