28584, Swansboro, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.20 percent of the residents in 28584 has some form of health insurance. 39.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.45 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 28584 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28584. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,838 health care providers accessible to residents in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within the Swansboro, North Carolina ZIP code 28584. Evaluating these factors requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, utilization of technology, and integration of mental health services. The aim is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical initial indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, a general understanding of the primary care physician (PCP) and pulmonologist availability is crucial. National averages suggest a benchmark of around 1,500 patients per PCP. A significantly higher ratio within 28584 could indicate potential access challenges, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Pulmonologist availability is often scarcer, and the distance patients must travel for specialized care significantly impacts disease management. The presence of a local pulmonologist or the proximity to specialists in nearby cities like Jacksonville or New Bern becomes a critical factor in the overall score.

Standout practices in Swansboro can be identified by several metrics. Patient reviews, particularly those focusing on asthma management, offer valuable insights. Practices consistently praised for clear communication, effective treatment plans, and patient education would receive higher scores. The availability of asthma-specific resources, such as peak flow meters, inhaler training, and asthma action plans, is also essential. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs and community outreach initiatives would be viewed favorably. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate coordinated care among different providers is a key component.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions. Practices offering telehealth appointments for follow-up visits, medication refills, and asthma education could improve access and convenience. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track peak flow or medication adherence, could further enhance care. Practices that have embraced telehealth solutions would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient-centered care and leveraging technology to overcome geographical barriers.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Practices that screen for mental health concerns and offer referrals to mental health professionals, either within the practice or through external partnerships, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. The presence of on-site behavioral health specialists or partnerships with local therapists would be a significant advantage. Integration of mental health services directly impacts the 'Asthma Score'.

The specific practices within 28584 require individual assessment. Identifying the leading primary care providers and pulmonologists, if any, is paramount. Researching their online presence, including websites and patient reviews, is essential. A review of each practice's services, including asthma-specific programs, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health integration, would be necessary. This detailed analysis would allow for a more accurate assessment of the 'Asthma Score'.

The overall 'Asthma Score' would be a composite measure, weighting each factor based on its importance. Physician-to-patient ratios would be a significant factor, with lower ratios contributing to a higher score. Practice characteristics, including patient reviews, asthma-specific resources, and EHR utilization, would also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health services would further enhance the score. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the 28584 ZIP code.

Primary care availability in Swansboro is directly linked to the asthma score. Limited access to PCPs makes it difficult for patients to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists. The presence of urgent care facilities could provide some relief, but they are not a substitute for a consistent relationship with a primary care provider. Evaluating the availability of appointment slots, the acceptance of different insurance plans, and the practice's commitment to patient education are also important.

The proximity to larger healthcare systems in nearby cities, such as the Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, is another relevant factor. Patients in Swansboro may seek specialized care or emergency services outside the immediate ZIP code. The efficiency of referral processes and the coordination of care between local practices and larger healthcare systems are critical considerations. This coordination impacts the overall quality of asthma management.

The 'Asthma Score' is not static. It can change based on improvements in healthcare access, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of mental health services. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Community initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about asthma, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving access to care can also contribute to a higher score.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' for 28584 would reflect a complex interplay of factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and mental health integration. A comprehensive assessment would require detailed research into the specific practices within the area. The overall goal is to provide a realistic evaluation of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of healthcare accessibility and a deeper dive into the data, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that visualize healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more informed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Swansboro and beyond.