28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.10 percent of the residents in 28573 has some form of health insurance. 42.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.53 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 28573 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 388 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 23 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28573. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 323 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,302 health care providers accessible to residents in 28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pollocksville, NC (ZIP Code 28573)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of asthma care within Pollocksville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28573), focusing on primary care physicians and related resources. We will evaluate key factors impacting asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services. This will culminate in a comprehensive “Asthma Score” assessment, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Pollocksville, a small town in Jones County, faces unique healthcare challenges common to rural communities. Access to specialized medical care, including pulmonologists and allergists, can be limited. Therefore, the focus here is on the accessibility and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), who serve as the frontline in asthma diagnosis, management, and ongoing care. The analysis considers factors that influence the patient experience and the effectiveness of asthma treatment.

One critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the availability of PCPs relative to the population. A low ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be used to estimate this ratio within the 28573 ZIP code. This ratio, however, does not fully capture the nuances of access. Factors such as insurance acceptance, the availability of same-day appointments for acute exacerbations, and the use of advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, all play a significant role.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the specific services offered. Practices demonstrating a commitment to asthma care often incorporate several key features. These include: a dedicated asthma action plan for each patient, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, patient education on proper inhaler technique, and proactive management of environmental triggers. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to national guidelines for asthma management are considered to be performing well. Information on these practices can be found through online reviews, patient testimonials, and through direct contact with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of asthma care in a rural setting. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely, especially for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. The availability of virtual visits can significantly improve asthma control by providing timely access to healthcare professionals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, including secure video conferencing platforms and remote monitoring devices, will receive higher scores in this analysis. The level of telehealth integration will be assessed by examining practice websites, insurance coverage for telehealth services, and through surveys of local healthcare providers.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that screen for mental health issues, provide access to mental health professionals (either in-house or through referrals), and integrate mental health support into their asthma management plans will be prioritized. This includes the availability of behavioral therapy, counseling services, and educational resources for patients struggling with the psychological aspects of asthma.

To synthesize these factors, the "Asthma Score" will be determined based on a weighted scoring system. The physician-to-patient ratio will contribute a significant portion of the score, reflecting the fundamental availability of care. The presence of best practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration will also contribute to the overall score. Each of these areas will be assigned a score based on the criteria outlined above. The total score will then be used to rank the overall quality of asthma care within the 28573 ZIP code.

The final "Asthma Score" will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Pollocksville. It will highlight areas of strength, such as practices that excel in asthma management, and identify areas for improvement, such as the need for increased access to specialists or the expansion of telemedicine services. This analysis will also reveal the potential impact of mental health resources on asthma outcomes.

In addition to the numerical score, this analysis will provide a narrative summary of the findings. This will include specific examples of standout practices, highlighting their innovative approaches to asthma care. It will also address the challenges faced by the community, such as limited access to specialists or the lack of mental health support.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and concise assessment of asthma care in Pollocksville, NC, and to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the current state of asthma management in the community. It is hoped that this information will be used to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately improve the lives of individuals living with asthma in the 28573 ZIP code.

For a more detailed, geographically-specific understanding of healthcare resources in Pollocksville and surrounding areas, including the precise locations of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help you navigate the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.