28554, Maury, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28554, Maury, North Carolina is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.76 percent of the residents in 28554 has some form of health insurance. 39.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.76 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 28554 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28554. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 21 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 640 health care providers accessible to residents in 28554, Maury, North Carolina.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, disproportionately affects specific populations. Assessing healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma sufferers requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, and integration of supportive services. This analysis focuses on two distinct areas: doctors within ZIP code 28554 (likely a specific geographical area) and primary care availability in Maury (likely a city or county). This analysis will attempt to gauge the quality of care and the resources available to asthma patients.

**Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28554**

Evaluating healthcare access in ZIP code 28554 begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and consistent care, crucial for asthma management. Publicly available data sources, such as the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide population estimates and physician counts. Comparing these figures allows for a preliminary assessment of the ratio. The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is vital. Asthma care often necessitates the expertise of these specialists, and their availability significantly impacts the quality of care. A lack of specialists would negatively affect the asthma score.

The characteristics of local practices are also essential. Does the area have any standout practices? Practices that prioritize asthma management often have dedicated asthma educators, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives. The presence of these elements would significantly boost the asthma score. Conversely, practices lacking these features would lower the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable avenue for asthma patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas. Remote monitoring of peak flow rates, virtual consultations, and medication management can improve adherence and reduce exacerbations. Practices embracing telemedicine would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic care. The availability of these resources would positively influence the asthma score.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Primary Care Availability in Maury**

Assessing primary care availability in Maury requires a slightly different lens. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for asthma patients. Their ability to provide initial diagnosis, medication management, and referrals to specialists is critical. The physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs in Maury is, therefore, a primary consideration. A high ratio could indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely primary care, impacting asthma management.

The distribution of primary care practices within Maury is also important. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving other areas underserved? This geographical analysis can reveal potential disparities in access to care. Practices located in areas with high asthma prevalence rates would be particularly valuable.

The availability of after-hours and weekend care is another crucial factor. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and the ability to access care outside of regular business hours is essential. Practices offering extended hours or partnering with urgent care facilities would receive a higher score.

Primary care practices in Maury should be evaluated based on their asthma management protocols. Do they follow established guidelines for asthma diagnosis and treatment? Do they provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques? Practices with robust asthma management protocols would contribute positively to the asthma score.

The integration of community resources is also important. Primary care practices that partner with local pharmacies, support groups, and community health organizations can provide patients with a more comprehensive support system. Such collaborations would enhance the asthma score.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion**

Calculating an overall asthma score for each area requires a weighted approach, considering the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would all contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its perceived importance in asthma management.

A high asthma score would indicate good access to care, quality practices, and a supportive environment for asthma patients. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care and the need for improvement.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating asthma care in the specified areas. However, a comprehensive assessment would require more detailed data collection and analysis. This includes surveying local practices, collecting patient feedback, and analyzing health outcomes data.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and asthma prevalence, explore the power of mapping. CartoChrome maps can visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and population demographics, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving asthma care. Contact CartoChrome today to learn more about how their mapping solutions can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data.