28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.06 percent of the residents in 28626 has some form of health insurance. 34.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.44 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 28626 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 471 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28626. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 605 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,845 health care providers accessible to residents in 28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28626 and Primary Care Availability in Fleetwood**

Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare, specifically regarding asthma management, within ZIP code 28626 (which encompasses Fleetwood, North Carolina) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in evaluating the “Asthma Score” for residents.

Fleetwood, a small community nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower population density and, consequently, a potentially limited pool of healthcare providers. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is therefore paramount. While precise, real-time data on this ratio fluctuates, publicly available resources such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, could signal a significant barrier to accessing timely and consistent primary care, a critical factor in asthma management.

Evaluating primary care availability in Fleetwood necessitates considering several factors beyond just the raw physician count. The types of practices available – whether they are solo practices, group practices, or affiliated with larger healthcare systems – significantly impact accessibility. Group practices often offer extended hours, on-call coverage, and a broader range of services, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by existing practices directly affects the ability of residents to establish care. Analyzing this data requires a combination of publicly available directories, insurance provider listings, and direct outreach to local practices.

Identifying "standout practices" within 28626 requires a qualitative assessment. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized asthma care (such as pulmonologists or allergists), and evaluating the practice's commitment to patient education and preventative care. Practices that actively engage patients in their asthma management through personalized action plans, regular follow-up appointments, and education on triggers and medications would likely receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control, would also be considered exemplary.

The adoption of telemedicine is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and routine check-ups without requiring patients to travel long distances. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 28626 involves investigating whether they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and electronic prescription services. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve the accessibility and convenience of asthma care, leading to better patient outcomes.

Asthma is often linked to mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and managing a chronic condition can contribute to emotional distress. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the Asthma Score analysis. This involves determining the presence of mental health providers in the area, whether they accept referrals from primary care physicians, and whether they have experience treating patients with chronic respiratory conditions. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would score favorably.

The Asthma Score for 28626 should also account for the availability of asthma-specific resources within the community. This includes access to pharmacies that stock necessary medications, support groups for asthma patients and their families, and educational programs offered by local health organizations. The presence of these resources can empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition and improve their overall quality of life.

Analyzing the accessibility of specialist care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is crucial. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for asthma management, patients with more severe or complex cases often require specialized care. The distance to the nearest specialists, the availability of appointments, and the acceptance of insurance are all factors that influence access to this crucial level of care.

The infrastructure of the area plays a role. The ease of transportation, the availability of public transportation, and the road conditions can influence access to care. This is especially true in a mountainous area like Fleetwood, where travel can be challenging, particularly during inclement weather.

In conclusion, determining the Asthma Score for 28626 requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialist care and community resources. It is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing healthcare access in a rural community and underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to improving asthma care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 28626, including the location of healthcare providers, access to pharmacies, and other relevant data, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome.