28616, Crossnore, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28616, Crossnore, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 36.84 percent of the residents in 28616 has some form of health insurance. 17.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.63 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 28616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28616. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,976 health care providers accessible to residents in 28616, Crossnore, North Carolina.

The analysis will focus on asthma care accessibility and quality within the specified geographic parameters.

Assessing asthma care in Crossnore, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28616), requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This analysis aims to provide an informed perspective on the existing landscape, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The primary concern is access to primary care physicians (PCPs), the gateway to asthma diagnosis, management, and referral. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Crossnore is crucial. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau are essential. A low physician-to-patient ratio signals potential access challenges, impacting timely care and exacerbating asthma complications. Crossnore is a rural community, so this ratio is likely to be a challenge.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP Code is critical. Are physicians clustered in one area, creating access disparities for residents in more remote locations? This geographic analysis requires a detailed assessment, perhaps utilizing GIS mapping to visualize physician locations and patient demographics.

The practices themselves need evaluation. Do they offer extended hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate working families and individuals? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists on staff? These specialists are invaluable in providing patient education, medication management training, and personalized asthma action plans. The availability of these resources significantly impacts patient outcomes and quality of life.

Telemedicine adoption is a key factor in improving asthma care accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving adherence to follow-up appointments. Practices that embrace telemedicine for asthma management, including virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function, will likely demonstrate better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Mental health resources are another vital component. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integrated approach can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall quality of life.

Standout practices in the area should be identified and their characteristics highlighted. This requires a review of patient reviews, surveys, and clinical outcomes data, if available. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, shared decision-making, and proactive management of asthma triggers, should be recognized. These practices serve as models for others to emulate.

Another consideration is the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While PCPs provide the foundation of asthma management, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require the expertise of specialists. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these specialists is crucial. Long travel times to specialists can create barriers to care, particularly for patients with limited mobility or transportation challenges.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs facilitate communication between providers, improve medication management, and allow for the tracking of patient outcomes. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively can provide more coordinated and efficient care.

The analysis also needs to consider the local environment. Are there significant environmental triggers for asthma in Crossnore, such as high pollen counts, air pollution, or mold? Understanding the local environmental factors helps tailor asthma management strategies and provide patients with targeted advice on avoiding triggers.

The availability of asthma-related community resources is another factor. Are there support groups, educational programs, or public health initiatives focused on asthma management? Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can enhance patient education and support.

Assessing insurance coverage is a crucial element. The type of insurance accepted by the physicians and practices within the ZIP Code is important. The cost of asthma medications and other healthcare services can be a significant barrier to care, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

The impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) should also be considered. SDOH, such as poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity, can significantly impact asthma outcomes. Practices that are aware of and address SDOH factors are better positioned to provide equitable care.

The analysis should also include a review of the quality of asthma education provided to patients. Effective asthma education is crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. This includes education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and recognizing and responding to asthma symptoms.

The adoption of patient portals is also a significant factor. Patient portals allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their providers, and request prescription refills. This improves patient engagement and facilitates proactive asthma management.

The analysis should include a comparison of the practices in the area. This comparison should consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient satisfaction. This comparison will help identify the strengths and weaknesses of each practice and highlight areas for improvement.

The analysis should conclude with a summary of the key findings and recommendations for improving asthma care in Crossnore. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, integrating mental health resources, and enhancing patient education.

For a comprehensive visualization of physician locations, demographic data, and environmental factors influencing asthma care in Crossnore, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare landscape and help identify areas for improvement.