28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 56.08 percent of the residents in 28543 has some form of health insurance. 8.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.72 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 28543 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,629 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28543. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 32 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,968 health care providers accessible to residents in 28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Tarawa Terrace, NC (ZIP Code 28543)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28543), requires a multifaceted approach. We must examine the physician landscape, assess primary care accessibility, and consider the integration of modern healthcare practices like telemedicine and mental health support. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" perspective, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the community's ability to manage this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in access to qualified medical professionals. In ZIP Code 28543, the physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, is a critical factor. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Data from reputable sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau should be consulted to determine the exact ratio within this specific area. This data will then be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of medical practices within the ZIP code is crucial. Are practices clustered in one area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Tarawa Terrace? Are there specific practices that stand out for their expertise in asthma management? Identifying these "standout practices" requires examining factors such as:

* **Physician Specialization:** Are there board-certified pulmonologists or allergists with significant experience in asthma care?
* **Patient Reviews:** What are patients saying about their experiences with these practices? Online reviews provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall quality of care.
* **Asthma Education Programs:** Do practices offer asthma education classes, support groups, or resources for patients and their families? These programs are essential for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Does the practice have the necessary equipment for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring, such as spirometry and peak flow meters?
* **Treatment Protocols:** Does the practice follow established asthma guidelines and offer a range of treatment options, including both medication and non-pharmacological approaches?

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of accessible healthcare. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients with asthma, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing management. The availability of PCPs in Tarawa Terrace directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate care. Factors to consider include:

* **Insurance Acceptance:** Does the practice accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare? This is particularly important for a diverse population, ensuring financial barriers do not impede access to care.
* **Appointment Availability:** How quickly can patients schedule appointments with PCPs? Long wait times can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to exacerbations and hospitalizations.
* **After-Hours Care:** Does the practice offer after-hours care options, such as on-call physicians or telehealth consultations? This is crucial for managing asthma symptoms that arise outside of regular office hours.
* **Location and Transportation:** Are primary care practices located in easily accessible locations, with adequate parking and public transportation options? Transportation challenges can significantly impact access to care, especially for individuals with limited mobility.

The integration of technology is reshaping healthcare delivery, and telemedicine plays a significant role in asthma management. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in geographically isolated areas. An "Asthma Score" analysis should evaluate the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine, including:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters or pulse oximeters, to track patients' asthma symptoms and adjust treatment plans accordingly?
* **Patient Portals:** Do practices provide patient portals where patients can access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and request appointments?

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among individuals with asthma, particularly those who experience frequent exacerbations or hospitalizations. The "Asthma Score" analysis must assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes:

* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do primary care practices and pulmonology practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals?
* **Mental Health Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for individuals with asthma and their families? These groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support.
* **Educational Resources:** Do practices provide educational resources on the link between asthma and mental health, and offer guidance on managing stress and anxiety?

The "Asthma Score" for Tarawa Terrace, NC (ZIP Code 28543) will be a composite metric reflecting the factors discussed above. The score will be relative to the availability of medical professionals, the quality of care provided by local practices, the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. It will be a dynamic measure that can be updated as healthcare practices evolve.

For a visual representation of the "Asthma Score" and a detailed mapping of healthcare resources in Tarawa Terrace, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the distribution of physicians, primary care practices, and other relevant resources within the ZIP code. Explore how proximity to healthcare providers impacts access to care and identify areas that may benefit from increased resources. CartoChrome maps will help you understand the landscape of asthma care in Tarawa Terrace.**