28618, Deep Gap, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28618, Deep Gap, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.74 percent of the residents in 28618 has some form of health insurance. 34.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.28 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 28618 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 583 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28618. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 315 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,905 health care providers accessible to residents in 28618, Deep Gap, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Deep Gap, NC (ZIP Code 28618)

Analyzing asthma care within Deep Gap, North Carolina (ZIP code 28618) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of services essential for effective asthma management. This analysis will delve into the landscape of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an overall Asthma Score assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture for residents and healthcare providers alike.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. Deep Gap, a relatively rural area, presents potential challenges in this regard. Examining the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. The availability of after-hours care, including weekend and evening options, is another critical factor. This is particularly important for asthma sufferers, who may experience sudden exacerbations.

Physician-to-patient ratios are not the sole determinant of access. The presence of advanced practice providers (APPs), such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can significantly improve access to care. APPs often provide a wide range of primary care services, including asthma management, and can help to alleviate the burden on PCPs. The distribution of these providers across the area is therefore a vital consideration. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by existing practices must be assessed. Practices actively accepting new patients ensure that the community has access to care.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational practices and patient outcomes. Practices that prioritize asthma management often implement specific protocols, such as regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, individualized asthma action plans, and patient education programs. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, medication adherence, and symptom control is also a hallmark of high-quality asthma care. Assessing patient satisfaction through surveys and reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the effectiveness of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption within Deep Gap's healthcare infrastructure is a key indicator. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and medication refills via telehealth platforms can significantly improve the convenience and accessibility of asthma care. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Evaluating the availability of telehealth options, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telehealth data into the patient's EHR is crucial.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, is often intertwined with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact overall quality of life. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is therefore essential. This includes the availability of mental health professionals within primary care practices, referrals to specialized mental health services, and the provision of educational materials and support groups for patients and their families. Assessing the level of collaboration between primary care providers and mental health specialists is a key indicator of the quality of integrated care.

The overall Asthma Score for Deep Gap (ZIP code 28618) will be a composite of these factors. It will reflect the accessibility of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of APPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the implementation of best practices for asthma management. A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that prioritizes asthma care, provides convenient access to services, and integrates mental health support. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telehealth options, and strengthening mental health integration.

Specific practices in the area should be examined for their adherence to asthma management guidelines. For example, assessing whether practices offer patient education materials, provide individualized asthma action plans, and regularly review medication adherence. This information, combined with patient feedback, can help identify practices that excel in asthma care.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, within a reasonable distance is another important factor. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialized care is crucial for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The ability to quickly refer patients to specialists for diagnosis, treatment adjustments, and specialized therapies is a key indicator of a robust healthcare system.

Furthermore, the presence of community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications, can significantly improve the lives of asthma sufferers. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources is an important part of the overall Asthma Score.

The analysis will consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as income, housing quality, and access to transportation can significantly impact asthma control. Practices that address these social determinants of health, such as by providing assistance with medication costs or connecting patients with social services, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score for Deep Gap will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts to improve asthma care. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment that can be used by residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This information can then be used to develop targeted interventions and initiatives to improve the lives of asthma sufferers in Deep Gap and the surrounding areas.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Deep Gap and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.