28556, Merritt, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28556, Merritt, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.49 percent of the residents in 28556 has some form of health insurance. 53.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.56 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 28556 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 58 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28556. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 219 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 119 health care providers accessible to residents in 28556, Merritt, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Merritt, NC (ZIP Code 28556)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 28556, encompassing Merritt, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score" assessment, considers factors crucial for asthma management, particularly access to primary care, physician density, and the availability of supportive resources. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for individuals managing asthma.

The initial assessment focuses on the fundamental element: primary care availability. Merritt, as a relatively small community, may face challenges in this area. The "Asthma Score" would heavily weigh the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments for routine check-ups, acute asthma exacerbations, and specialist referrals. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment adjustments, and increased reliance on emergency room visits, all negatively impacting the "Asthma Score."

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code is crucial. Are practices clustered in one area, potentially creating access barriers for residents in other parts of Merritt? The "Asthma Score" must consider the proximity of practices to residential areas, the availability of public transportation, and the ease of access for individuals with mobility limitations, all impacting the ability to receive timely care.

Beyond physician density, the quality of primary care is paramount. The "Asthma Score" would evaluate practices based on their adherence to national asthma guidelines. Do practices regularly assess asthma control using standardized questionnaires? Do they provide patient education on proper inhaler technique, environmental triggers, and asthma action plans? Practices demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based asthma management would receive a higher "Asthma Score" rating.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the "Asthma Score" analysis. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma management, particularly for routine follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Its ability to provide remote access can be especially beneficial for residents in rural areas like Merritt, mitigating the impact of transportation challenges and reducing the risk of exposure to environmental triggers during travel. The "Asthma Score" would reward practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for asthma care.

The presence of mental health resources also significantly impacts the "Asthma Score." Asthma is a chronic condition that can have a substantial impact on mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and effective mental health support is crucial for overall asthma management. The "Asthma Score" would consider the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community or accessible through referrals. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also a key indicator of a high "Asthma Score."

Identifying "standout practices" is essential to the "Asthma Score" assessment. These practices would be recognized for their exemplary asthma management strategies. They might have specialized asthma clinics, dedicated asthma educators, or integrated respiratory therapists into their care teams. They might also demonstrate innovative approaches, such as home-based asthma monitoring programs or community outreach initiatives. The "Asthma Score" would highlight these practices as models of excellence.

The availability of specialist care, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is another crucial element. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, complex cases or uncontrolled asthma may require specialist expertise. The "Asthma Score" would consider the proximity of specialist practices, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of specialized diagnostic and treatment options, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy.

The "Asthma Score" would also consider the availability of community resources. Asthma support groups, educational programs offered by local health departments, and access to affordable medications are all important factors. These resources empower patients to actively manage their condition and improve their quality of life. The "Asthma Score" would recognize communities with robust support systems.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" analysis for Merritt, NC (ZIP Code 28556) is a comprehensive evaluation of the local healthcare ecosystem's capacity to effectively manage asthma. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, primary care quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist availability, and community support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their asthma care.

To visualize the geographical distribution of these factors and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Merritt, consider exploring the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability within ZIP Code 28556, providing a valuable tool for healthcare providers, patients, and community stakeholders. **Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps today and gain a spatial perspective on asthma care in Merritt!**