28553, Marshallberg, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28553, Marshallberg, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.23 percent of the residents in 28553 has some form of health insurance. 26.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.19 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 28553 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28553. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 98 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,185 health care providers accessible to residents in 28553, Marshallberg, North Carolina.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP code 28553, encompassing the town of Marshallberg, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. Evaluating the quality of care necessitates considering several key factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, utilization of technology, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis provides an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, albeit an approximate one, based on publicly available information and general healthcare industry trends, as direct access to patient-level data is unavailable.

The initial hurdle in assessing asthma care accessibility is the limited population density of Marshallberg. This low population often translates to a smaller pool of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the immediate vicinity. Calculating a precise physician-to-patient ratio for Marshallberg specifically is challenging without detailed local census data. However, given the broader demographics of Carteret County, of which Marshallberg is a part, it is likely that the physician-to-patient ratio might be less favorable than in more densely populated areas. This scarcity of primary care providers directly impacts asthma care, as PCPs are often the first point of contact for diagnosis, management, and referral. A lower ratio suggests potential challenges in timely access to appointments, follow-up care, and specialist referrals, all crucial components of effective asthma management.

Identifying standout practices within the 28553 ZIP code requires examining their specific approaches to asthma care. This involves assessing whether practices adhere to national guidelines for asthma management, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). These guidelines emphasize personalized treatment plans, regular monitoring of lung function, and patient education on medication use and environmental triggers. Practices that actively implement these guidelines are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The availability of on-site spirometry, a test that measures lung function, is another indicator of a practice's commitment to asthma care. Furthermore, practices that offer patient education programs, such as asthma self-management training, can empower patients to take an active role in their care.

The adoption of telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care accessibility in a rural area like Marshallberg. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. This is particularly beneficial for patients with asthma who may experience frequent exacerbations or require regular follow-up appointments. Practices that utilize telemedicine for asthma management may offer virtual consultations for medication refills, symptom monitoring, and education. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, can further enhance telemedicine's effectiveness. Examining which practices have integrated telemedicine into their asthma care protocols is a critical factor in the ‘Asthma Score’ analysis.

Mental health resources play a crucial role in asthma management. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide access to mental health services or referrals are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This may involve offering on-site mental health professionals, collaborating with local mental health providers, or screening patients for mental health conditions during routine asthma visits. The integration of mental health services is a key differentiator in the ‘Asthma Score’ assessment.

To accurately gauge the availability of primary care in Marshallberg, it is crucial to examine the broader healthcare landscape of Carteret County. This includes assessing the presence of urgent care clinics, hospital emergency rooms, and specialist practices within a reasonable driving distance. While Marshallberg itself may have limited resources, the proximity to larger towns and cities, such as Morehead City and Beaufort, can expand access to care. The availability of transportation options, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services, also influences access to care. Patients with limited transportation options may face greater challenges in accessing timely medical attention.

The ‘Asthma Score’ for doctors in 28553, and primary care availability in Marshallberg, is thus a composite score. It is a subjective assessment, based on the aforementioned factors. A higher score would be assigned to practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to evidence-based asthma management, utilize telemedicine effectively, integrate mental health services, and provide convenient access to care. Conversely, practices with limited resources, a lack of telemedicine adoption, and a failure to address mental health needs would receive a lower score. The final score also considers the overall physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of primary care providers in the surrounding area.

It is important to note that this ‘Asthma Score’ is an approximation. A comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed patient data, practice-level performance metrics, and direct interviews with physicians and patients. However, this analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Marshallberg and the surrounding area. It highlights the importance of considering multiple factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and mental health resources, to provide comprehensive and effective asthma care.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28553 and the surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geospatial representation of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital facilities, and pharmacies. These maps can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight potential opportunities for improvement. Explore CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a deeper insight into the healthcare environment.