28594, Emerald Isle, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28594, Emerald Isle, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.34 percent of the residents in 28594 has some form of health insurance. 37.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.04 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 28594 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 608 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28594. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,171 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,264 health care providers accessible to residents in 28594, Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Emerald Isle, NC (ZIP Code 28594)

Analyzing asthma care within Emerald Isle, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28594) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider physician availability, the quality of care delivered, and the resources available to patients. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, though it’s important to note that creating a precise numerical score is complex. Instead, we'll focus on a qualitative assessment of the key factors influencing asthma management in this coastal community.

The foundation of any healthcare system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in Emerald Isle and the surrounding area is a crucial starting point. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is often difficult to obtain publicly, we can infer certain aspects. Emerald Isle is a relatively small, primarily vacation-oriented community. This means that the permanent resident population, and therefore the demand for year-round primary care, is likely lower than in more densely populated areas. However, the population swells significantly during peak tourist seasons, placing increased strain on available resources. This seasonal fluctuation complicates the assessment of PCP availability. The presence of larger medical facilities within a reasonable driving distance, such as those in Morehead City or Jacksonville, can partially offset this.

Assessing primary care availability requires looking beyond just the raw number of physicians. The types of practices, their acceptance of new patients, and the insurance plans they accept are all vital considerations. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs are inherently more accessible. Practices that are well-equipped to handle chronic conditions, including asthma, are also more valuable. This includes having staff trained in asthma management, access to spirometry testing, and the ability to provide patient education on proper inhaler technique and environmental control.

A standout practice in this area might be one that actively promotes asthma management programs. This could include offering regular asthma education classes, providing personalized asthma action plans, and proactively monitoring patients' asthma control. The practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) and its ability to share information with specialists are also important. EHRs facilitate better communication and coordination of care, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in assessing asthma care. Telemedicine offers several advantages, particularly for a community like Emerald Isle. It can improve access to care, especially for patients who live a significant distance from medical facilities or have mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate routine follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. It also allows for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, enabling physicians to intervene quickly if a patient's condition worsens. The level of telemedicine adoption by local practices, and the types of telemedicine services offered, are critical indicators of care accessibility.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are incredibly important. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care are better equipped to provide holistic care. This could include having on-site mental health professionals, providing referrals to mental health specialists, or offering educational resources on managing the psychological aspects of asthma. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which patients can access them, is an essential component of the "Asthma Score."

The overall "Asthma Score" for Emerald Isle (28594) is likely moderate, with areas for improvement. The seasonal population fluctuations, while creating challenges, also suggest the potential for innovative solutions. The community's reliance on tourism may influence the availability of healthcare, particularly during peak seasons. The presence of larger medical facilities in nearby cities provides a safety net, but access to care in those facilities may be complicated by travel time and patient volume.

To improve the "Asthma Score," local practices should focus on several key areas. Increasing the number of PCPs, particularly those specializing in asthma management, is a priority. Expanding telemedicine services, including remote monitoring and virtual consultations, can improve access to care. Integrating mental health resources into asthma care is essential. Finally, practices should actively participate in asthma education programs and provide patients with personalized asthma action plans.

The assessment of the "Asthma Score" also benefits from understanding the specific practices that serve the community. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided, the availability of resources, and the patient experience. It also involves assessing the community's awareness of asthma management and the resources available to them. The local health department, community organizations, and patient advocacy groups all play a role in promoting asthma awareness and providing support to patients.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Emerald Isle and its surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice types, and access to resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare providers, helping to identify areas with limited access to care and highlighting opportunities for improvement.