28609, Catawba, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28609, Catawba, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.32 percent of the residents in 28609 has some form of health insurance. 36.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.72 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 28609 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,096 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28609. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,199 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,410 health care providers accessible to residents in 28609, Catawba, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28609 and Primary Care Availability in Catawba County

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28609 (likely Hickory, North Carolina) and primary care availability in Catawba County, with a particular emphasis on asthma care. We will evaluate the landscape based on available data, considering physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing asthma management.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A robust PCP network is the first line of defense, providing routine checkups, early diagnosis, and medication management. In Catawba County, assessing primary care availability involves examining the PCP-to-population ratio. A low ratio can indicate limited access, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to determine this ratio accurately.

Within ZIP code 28609, the concentration of PCPs and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, is critical. The proximity of these specialists is vital for patients requiring more advanced asthma care. A high concentration of specialists within the ZIP code or in nearby areas enhances the chances of timely specialist consultations and improved disease control. This includes the availability of pediatric pulmonologists, as asthma is a significant concern for children.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their performance in asthma management. This can be achieved by examining patient outcomes, such as asthma control test scores, emergency room visit rates, and hospitalization rates. Practices demonstrating superior performance in these areas are considered exemplary. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) allows practices to track patient data, identify trends, and implement targeted interventions to improve asthma control.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in ZIP code 28609 and Catawba County can significantly enhance asthma care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living far from healthcare facilities. This can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adjustments, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, further enhances telemedicine's effectiveness.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic and debilitating condition, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore crucial for patients. Integrating mental health services into asthma care can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals in the area and their willingness to collaborate with primary care physicians is an important part of this analysis.

Furthermore, the availability of asthma education programs within the community can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. These programs should provide education on asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques. Collaboration between healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations can facilitate the delivery of such programs.

Another factor to consider is the insurance landscape within the area. The acceptance of various insurance plans by healthcare providers is essential for ensuring access to care. A high percentage of providers accepting Medicaid and Medicare is especially important for vulnerable populations.

To create an 'Asthma Score' for doctors in ZIP code 28609 and primary care availability in Catawba County, a weighted scoring system would be used. Each of the factors discussed above would be assigned a weight based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, while telemedicine adoption might receive a moderate weight. Data would be collected for each factor, and a score would be assigned based on the performance of each practice or the availability of resources. These individual scores would then be combined to produce an overall 'Asthma Score'.

The final score would provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in the area. A high score would indicate excellent access to care, a high concentration of specialists, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited specialist availability, or lack of telemedicine integration.

This analysis is a starting point. A comprehensive assessment would require in-depth data collection and analysis. The availability of reliable data is crucial for accurate scoring. Public health data, insurance claims data, and patient surveys would all contribute to a more accurate assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Catawba County and ZIP code 28609, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can display physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access.