28590, Winterville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28590, Winterville, North Carolina is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.10 percent of the residents in 28590 has some form of health insurance. 25.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.60 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 28590 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,443 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28590. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,248 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 446 health care providers accessible to residents in 28590, Winterville, North Carolina.

The analysis will focus on asthma care quality and accessibility for residents of ZIP Code 28590 (Winterville, North Carolina) and will assess the primary care landscape within the town, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which are critical in managing a chronic condition like asthma.

The foundation of any effective asthma management program is a robust primary care system. In Winterville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized attention, which is detrimental for patients with a chronic condition like asthma requiring regular monitoring and medication adjustments. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28590 is essential. Public health agencies and local medical societies often compile this information. An unfavorable ratio could indicate a need for strategies to attract more physicians to the area, such as offering incentives to new practices or supporting existing ones.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. These practices often incorporate best practices, evidence-based guidelines, and patient-centered care models. Key indicators of a standout practice include: a dedicated asthma educator or nurse, a comprehensive asthma action plan for each patient, regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, and a strong focus on patient education about triggers, medications, and self-management techniques. Reviewing patient testimonials and online ratings can offer insights into the patient experience at various practices within the area. Practices that prioritize patient communication, provide clear and concise information, and offer readily available support are likely to be highly regarded.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, which can be especially beneficial for those who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who live in geographically isolated areas. In Winterville, the adoption of telemedicine for asthma care is an important factor to assess. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online access to patient portals are likely to improve patient access and convenience. Telemedicine can facilitate more frequent check-ins, enabling physicians to monitor patients' conditions more closely and make timely adjustments to their treatment plans.

The interplay between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources in Winterville is therefore a crucial consideration. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, and their integration with primary care practices is important. Collaborative care models, where primary care physicians and mental health providers work together to manage patients' overall well-being, can improve outcomes.

Furthermore, the accessibility of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists, is another crucial element. While primary care physicians are typically the first point of contact for asthma management, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of a pulmonologist. The proximity of pulmonology specialists and the ease of referral pathways from primary care practices are important. Assessing the availability of specialized equipment, such as allergy testing facilities, is also essential for comprehensive asthma care.

The analysis should also consider the socio-economic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, housing conditions, and environmental factors can all contribute to asthma triggers and affect patients' ability to manage their condition effectively. Assessing the prevalence of these factors within the 28590 ZIP code is important. Community-based programs that address social determinants of health, such as providing asthma education in schools or offering assistance with housing and transportation, can play a vital role in improving asthma care.

Finally, the analysis should include an assessment of the overall asthma prevalence rate in Winterville and compare it to the state and national averages. Higher-than-average rates may indicate a need for targeted interventions, such as public health campaigns to raise awareness about asthma triggers or programs to improve air quality. The analysis must evaluate the availability of essential medications, including both quick-relief and controller medications, and assess whether patients have access to affordable options.

In conclusion, the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Winterville, NC, is multifaceted, relying on the interplay of primary care resources, specialized expertise, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. An in-depth analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, and the integration of mental health resources is essential for improving asthma outcomes. The data collected and analyzed can be visualized and presented in a way that is easily understandable and actionable.