28610, Claremont, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28610, Claremont, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.55 percent of the residents in 28610 has some form of health insurance. 37.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.15 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 28610 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,765 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28610. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,681 health care providers accessible to residents in 28610, Claremont, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Claremont, NC (ZIP Code 28610)**

Claremont, North Carolina, a community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 28610 requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the integration of mental health resources, ultimately constructing an “Asthma Score” for this specific area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Claremont, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the population is a crucial indicator. A low ratio can indicate potential bottlenecks in access to care, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28610 requires accessing local health statistics and potentially contacting the Catawba County Health Department. This data point is a critical component of the Asthma Score, as it directly impacts the ease with which residents can secure appointments and receive ongoing care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care delivered by the available PCPs is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to asthma management guidelines. Do they follow the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines? Do they offer comprehensive asthma action plans? Do they routinely assess asthma control using validated tools? This assessment would involve examining practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare providers (with appropriate permissions). Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to evidence-based asthma care would receive higher marks, contributing to a more favorable Asthma Score.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Claremont. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function (if applicable), and online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care. The ability to remotely manage asthma symptoms can significantly reduce the need for emergency room visits and hospitalizations, leading to improved patient outcomes. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites, contacting practices directly to inquire about their telemedicine offerings, and researching the availability of remote monitoring devices.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, managing chronic asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is a crucial element of the Asthma Score. Do local practices offer on-site mental health services? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Do they screen patients for anxiety and depression? Practices that prioritize mental health integration demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, contributing positively to the Asthma Score.

Assessing primary care availability in Claremont requires a broader perspective than simply counting physicians. It involves examining the accessibility of care, including appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and after-hours care options. Practices with shorter wait times, accepting a wide range of insurance plans, and offering extended hours contribute to a higher Asthma Score. This information can be gathered through patient surveys, online reviews, and direct inquiries to local practices.

Standout practices within Claremont deserve specific recognition. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care, going above and beyond the standard of care. They might have specialized asthma clinics, offer comprehensive patient education programs, or actively participate in asthma research. Identifying these standout practices requires a combination of research, including patient reviews, physician referrals, and potentially contacting local healthcare organizations. Highlighting these practices can serve as a model for other providers and improve the overall quality of asthma care in the community.

The Asthma Score itself would be a composite metric, combining the various factors discussed above. It would be a numerical representation of the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Claremont. The score would be based on a weighted average of the different components, with each component assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a significant weight, while telemedicine adoption might carry a slightly lower weight. The final score would provide a valuable snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Claremont, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and providing a benchmark for improvement.

The creation of the Asthma Score is an ongoing process, requiring continuous monitoring and updating. As healthcare practices evolve and new technologies emerge, the Asthma Score must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect the changing healthcare landscape. This ongoing process ensures that the Asthma Score remains a relevant and accurate assessment of asthma care in Claremont.

The availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. Does the primary care practice have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there any mental health specialists in the area who specialize in treating patients with asthma? The integration of mental health services can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The overall assessment of asthma care in Claremont reveals a complex picture. While the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor, the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and accessibility all play crucial roles in determining the overall Asthma Score. The community can benefit from a comprehensive analysis of these factors, allowing for targeted improvements and enhanced patient outcomes.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, pharmacies, and mental health facilities, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a clear and interactive representation of the healthcare landscape in Claremont, making it easier for residents to navigate the system and access the care they need. Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps.